Sound Truth Radio

There are many things in this world that cause people to stand in awe of God. Frequently, you'll hear about the magnificence of the creation. It can also be quite impressive to marvel at the abilities of people created in God's image. Today, Pastor Malcolm speaks of a topic that's not usually equated with the idea of awe, and that's the forgiveness of God. But when you think about it, of all the things God has done, is there anything more marvelous, more wonderful than God's amazing grace?

When you look through history, even your own personal history, you frequently see plans that seemed like a great idea, but turned out to be failures. Today, Pastor Malcolm applies the wisdom of the psalms to Christian works today. It's important that any effort you envision for God is built on His foundation. Is your plan in harmony with God's word? Have you sought out advice from spiritually wise counselors? Have you bathed it in prayer? And most importantly, does it honor God and glorify Christ?

Think of situations where some person is watching very, very carefully what someone else is doing. An air traffic controller would be a good example, watching each aircraft intently, or a runner leading off first base, eyes glued to the pitcher, to see if he's going to attempt to pick him off. Today, Pastor Malcolm emphasizes how important it is to be fully and exclusively attentive to the Lord. What is He telling you today? Where does He want you to go? Is there anything He's warning you to watch out for?

Do you find God's word to be sweeter than honey? Do you find sin and wickedness to be repulsive? As Pastor Malcolm will challenge us in today's message, when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He begins a work of transformation in us that is undeniable, following His way will lead us directly against the flow of culture. It isn't an easy path to follow. Even some of your closest friends and loved ones may provide resistance.

We are called to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. That will include some people who may not hold to the same values as us. Well, this is an important part of living out our faith as Pastor Malcolm will point out in today's message. Scripture also encourages us to surround ourselves with those who fear God, and walk according to His ways. We need these brothers and sisters in Christ to push us closer to Him and help us carry on when the world is pushing in and threatening our witness.

We are called to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. That will include some people who may not hold to the same values as us. Well, this is an important part of living out our faith as Pastor Malcolm will point out in today's message. Scripture also encourages us to surround ourselves with those who fear God, and walk according to His ways. We need these brothers and sisters in Christ to push us closer to Him and help us carry on when the world is pushing in and threatening our witness.

Far too often, we approach God's laws and statutes with the mindset of, how far can I go without crossing the line? Kind of like how many of us drive as long as you keep it within 5 miles per hour on city streets and 9 over on the highway? You probably won't get pulled over. As Pastor Malcolm will challenge us in today's passage. Instead of pushing the limits, we need to start delighting in obeying God's commands because we want to honor and glorify the One who saves our souls from sin.

Far too often, we approach God's laws and statutes with the mindset of, how far can I go without crossing the line? Kind of like how many of us drive as long as you keep it within 5 miles per hour on city streets and 9 over on the highway? You probably won't get pulled over. As Pastor Malcolm will challenge us in today's passage. Instead of pushing the limits, we need to start delighting in obeying God's commands because we want to honor and glorify the One who saves our souls from sin.

Have you ever heard that it's better not to meet your heroes? We often put people up on a pedestal that they don't belong on. No human is perfect, and even the best will let you down if you give them the chance. As Pastor Malcolm will point out in today's message, while we can respect and honor those who have a major impact for the gospel, we need to make sure we don't hold them up as an idol. The only Being worthy of our praise is God. And it's only through His Son that we can do anything good.

Have you ever heard that it's better not to meet your heroes? We often put people up on a pedestal that they don't belong on. No human is perfect, and even the best will let you down if you give them the chance. As Pastor Malcolm will point out in today's message, while we can respect and honor those who have a major impact for the gospel, we need to make sure we don't hold them up as an idol. The only Being worthy of our praise is God. And it's only through His Son that we can do anything good.

Can you think of anyone in your life who radiates that kind of joy? Sometimes it's contagious, but sometimes in our own sourness, we might think it annoying. As Pastor Malcolm will exhort us in today's message. We have been given an incredible depth of grace, love, and hope in Jesus. And we can find joy and rest when we focus on Him. Don't let your desire to serve your own comforts or convenience make you bitter toward anyone or anything that seems like it's standing in your way.

Can you think of anyone in your life who radiates that kind of joy? Sometimes it's contagious, but sometimes in our own sourness, we might think it annoying. As Pastor Malcolm will exhort us in today's message. We have been given an incredible depth of grace, love, and hope in Jesus. And we can find joy and rest when we focus on Him. Don't let your desire to serve your own comforts or convenience make you bitter toward anyone or anything that seems like it's standing in your way.

Do you live with that kind of patience, kindness, and grace? We can't expect to meet the same standard that Jesus did. But far too often, we look like the complete opposite, as we deal with people that we consider troublesome. As Pastor Malcolm continues our study of the book of Psalms today, we'll be challenged to imitate the compassion that our Savior demonstrated in His earthly ministry. He didn't prioritize His own comfort or pleasure, but His mission to reach the lost.

Do you live with that kind of patience, kindness, and grace? We can't expect to meet the same standard that Jesus did. But far too often, we look like the complete opposite, as we deal with people that we consider troublesome. As Pastor Malcolm continues our study of the book of Psalms today, we'll be challenged to imitate the compassion that our Savior demonstrated in His earthly ministry. He didn't prioritize His own comfort or pleasure, but His mission to reach the lost.

Scripture is an incredible gift of revelation and guidance. It points us towards Jesus, revealing His righteousness and the incredible grace and love, He extends toward us. At the same time, it reveals who we are. We're lost, broken, selfish, and destined for destruction if left to our own devices. Fortunately, as Pastor Malcolm will remind us in today's message, Jesus Christ has acted as our high priest once and for all, offering Himself as a sacrifice, so we can be saved from destruction.

Scripture is an incredible gift of revelation and guidance. It points us towards Jesus, revealing His righteousness and the incredible grace and love, He extends toward us. At the same time, it reveals who we are. We're lost, broken, selfish, and destined for destruction if left to our own devices. Fortunately, as Pastor Malcolm will remind us in today's message, Jesus Christ has acted as our high priest once and for all, offering Himself as a sacrifice, so we can be saved from destruction.

In today's passage from the book of Psalms, the coming Messiah is ordained as a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. Who is Melchizedek? Something of a mystery. He comes up a few times, and is clearly revered, but we're not given a thorough explanation of exactly who he is. Some think he was Christ, manifested in an earlier form. Scripture doesn't confirm this. Today, Pastor Malcolm will dedicate much of our study to examining what scripture tells us regarding this figure.

In today's passage from the book of Psalms, the coming Messiah is ordained as a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. Who is Melchizedek? Something of a mystery. He comes up a few times, and is clearly revered, but we're not given a thorough explanation of exactly who he is. Some think he was Christ, manifested in an earlier form. Scripture doesn't confirm this. Today, Pastor Malcolm will dedicate much of our study to examining what scripture tells us regarding this figure.

God is on your side. His enemies are the devil, and the forces of evil that lead men astray and cause destruction. God went to incredible lengths to bring you out of darkness and offer you salvation. He won't just cast you off for falling back into temptation. Today, Pastor Malcolm will encourage you when you find yourself giving in to your flesh and forgetting who you are in Christ, remind yourself that you are no longer condemned. You are righteous in Christ, and He frees you from sin.

God is on your side. His enemies are the devil, and the forces of evil that lead men astray and cause destruction. God went to incredible lengths to bring you out of darkness and offer you salvation. He won't just cast you off for falling back into temptation. Today, Pastor Malcolm will encourage you when you find yourself giving in to your flesh and forgetting who you are in Christ, remind yourself that you are no longer condemned. You are righteous in Christ, and He frees you from sin.

Often, our distress is brought on by our own poor decisions. This is especially true on a national level, as we see demonstrated throughout the history of Israel. How we respond in those moments is important. Will you humble yourself and seek the Lord, or will you embitter yourself towards Him, blaming Him for the trials you're facing? Today, Pastor Malcolm will encourage us to call out to the Lord in humility. And when we do, He'll hear us and provide peace and safety.

Often, our distress is brought on by our own poor decisions. This is especially true on a national level, as we see demonstrated throughout the history of Israel. How we respond in those moments is important. Will you humble yourself and seek the Lord, or will you embitter yourself towards Him, blaming Him for the trials you're facing? Today, Pastor Malcolm will encourage us to call out to the Lord in humility. And when we do, He'll hear us and provide peace and safety.

Your sinful nature and the new nature Christ instilled, are incompatible. One must die for the other to thrive. But that nature is a stubborn, prideful one, and it doesn't go down without a fight. That fight will last through the rest of your life. But as Pastor Malcolm will point out in today's message, whenever that old nature rears its head, your new nature should motivate you to flee from it. You won't desire to remain in that place once your heart has experienced new life in Jesus Christ.

Your sinful nature and the new nature Christ instilled, are incompatible. One must die for the other to thrive. But that nature is a stubborn, prideful one, and it doesn't go down without a fight. That fight will last through the rest of your life. But as Pastor Malcolm will point out in today's message, whenever that old nature rears its head, your new nature should motivate you to flee from it. You won't desire to remain in that place once your heart has experienced new life in Jesus Christ.

The sin of pride is one of the most dangerous. Many other sins can often be traced back to it. As Pastor Malcolm will point out in today's message, this sin can infiltrate the individual heart, and it can easily overtake the soul of a Nation. When people determine that they don't need God or that God needs to fit into a specific mold of their making, they're essentially placing themselves in His position. As Pastor Malcolm will warn in today's message, this ultimately will lead to collapse and destruction.

The sin of pride is one of the most dangerous. Many other sins can often be traced back to it. As Pastor Malcolm will point out in today's message, this sin can infiltrate the individual heart, and it can easily overtake the soul of a Nation. When people determine that they don't need God or that God needs to fit into a specific mold of their making, they're essentially placing themselves in His position. As Pastor Malcolm will warn in today's message, this ultimately will lead to collapse and destruction.

None of us wants to experience hardship or suffering. As Pastor Malcolm continues our study in the book of Psalms today, he'll draw our attention to the redemptive nature of our God. He not only redeems the hearts of men through his Son Jesus, but He also redeems situations and circumstances. We see this time and time again throughout scripture, like the story of Joseph. If it weren't for the unimaginable sin of his brothers selling him off to slavery, he would not have ended up in his position in Egypt.

None of us wants to experience hardship or suffering. As Pastor Malcolm continues our study in the book of Psalms today, he'll draw our attention to the redemptive nature of our God. He not only redeems the hearts of men through his Son Jesus, but He also redeems situations and circumstances. We see this time and time again throughout scripture, like the story of Joseph. If it weren't for the unimaginable sin of his brothers selling him off to slavery, he would not have ended up in his position in Egypt.

It's hard to imagine what the angels must see when they observe us humans in this broken world. We don't give a lot of thought to the angels that are often referenced in scripture. But they play a key role in God's kingdom, and are actively engaged in spiritual warfare all around us. Even as you hear these words, some may hold a somewhat fantastical view of them, like elves or leprechauns, but they're very real, as we'll be reminded in today's message from Pastor Malcolm.

It's hard to imagine what the angels must see when they observe us humans in this broken world. We don't give a lot of thought to the angels that are often referenced in scripture. But they play a key role in God's kingdom, and are actively engaged in spiritual warfare all around us. Even as you hear these words, some may hold a somewhat fantastical view of them, like elves or leprechauns, but they're very real, as we'll be reminded in today's message from Pastor Malcolm.

Depending on your background. It may be hard to see God as a father. Perhaps your earthly father was a poor reflection of what God designed them to be, or maybe they just weren't there at all. Many believers struggle to see themselves from God's perspective. Yes, He hates sin and the destruction it brings, but He dearly loves His creation. You are His creation. As Pastor Malcolm will remind us today. God is ready and waiting, anxious to hold you with pride, compassion, and kindness in His eyes.

Depending on your background. It may be hard to see God as a father. Perhaps your earthly father was a poor reflection of what God designed them to be, or maybe they just weren't there at all. Many believers struggle to see themselves from God's perspective. Yes, He hates sin and the destruction it brings, but He dearly loves His creation. You are His creation. As Pastor Malcolm will remind us today. God is ready and waiting, anxious to hold you with pride, compassion, and kindness in His eyes.

We've all known a Martha, haven't we? If you've been around the church for a few years, you might know a few. Perhaps you take on a similar mindset at times as well. As believers, all of us experience the temptation to judge other believers on their level of commitment or the quality of their service and worship. But as we'll be reminded in today's message from Pastor Malcolm, as soon as our focus shifts onto what our neighbor is doing, we've lost sight of Jesus, who should be the center of our focus.

We've all known a Martha, haven't we? If you've been around the church for a few years, you might know a few. Perhaps you take on a similar mindset at times as well. As believers, all of us experience the temptation to judge other believers on their level of commitment or the quality of their service and worship. But as we'll be reminded in today's message from Pastor Malcolm, as soon as our focus shifts onto what our neighbor is doing, we've lost sight of Jesus, who should be the center of our focus.

That is a common misconception in the church, isn't it? We think that the Holy Spirit will only come if we sing some songs and prepare our hearts, and the mood is just right. But it's Jesus who has done the work of purifying our hearts, and His spirit comes in because of that work. As Pastor Malcolm will clarify in today's message, our singing of praise songs and any physical actions or heart postures we take are in response to His presence, not to coax Him into our place of worship.

That is a common misconception in the church, isn't it? We think that the Holy Spirit will only come if we sing some songs and prepare our hearts, and the mood is just right. But it's Jesus who has done the work of purifying our hearts, and His spirit comes in because of that work. As Pastor Malcolm will clarify in today's message, our singing of praise songs and any physical actions or heart postures we take are in response to His presence, not to coax Him into our place of worship.

What a profound and life-giving promise. As we continue our study of the book of Psalms, a book full of praise for God, whether in moments of victory or sadness; Pastor Malcolm will remind us of the importance of continual, faithful worship. God is worthy of our praise. He rewards those who come call on Him. Those rewards are greater blessings than any career or the smartest financial planning can secure. God will bestow His peace, joy and hope on you, offering you eternal access through Christ.

What a profound and life-giving promise. As we continue our study of the book of Psalms, a book full of praise for God, whether in moments of victory or sadness; Pastor Malcolm will remind us of the importance of continual, faithful worship. God is worthy of our praise. He rewards those who come call on Him. Those rewards are greater blessings than any career or the smartest financial planning can secure. God will bestow His peace, joy and hope on you, offering you eternal access through Christ.

The Psalms are so honest, and that's a big part of why they resonate so deeply with us. As we read through them, we find moments of great triumph, where the praise easily flows from the heart, and then we find moments of despair, as in today's passage. We find a moment of great questioning. Where are you, God? Where is your goodness? Yet even in this moment, as Pastor Malcolm will point out, the psalmist concludes their lament by submitting praise to God, knowing that ultimately He is good.

The Psalms are so honest, and that's a big part of why they resonate so deeply with us. As we read through them, we find moments of great triumph, where the praise easily flows from the heart, and then we find moments of despair, as in today's passage. We find a moment of great questioning. Where are you, God? Where is your goodness? Yet even in this moment, as Pastor Malcolm will point out, the psalmist concludes their lament by submitting praise to God, knowing that ultimately He is good.

There's a reason the Church holds the cross so dearly. This was an instrument of death, perfected by an oppressive empire used to torture and kill the Son of God in one of the cruelest ways possible. You might think we would avoid the thought of it. But as we will be reminded in today's message from Pastor Malcolm, the cross was where mercy and justice met. This tool that represents the worst of what we can do was taken up by Christ as He bore the weight of all our sin, securing our redemption.

There's a reason the Church holds the cross so dearly. This was an instrument of death, perfected by an oppressive empire used to torture and kill the Son of God in one of the cruelest ways possible. You might think we would avoid the thought of it. But as we will be reminded in today's message from Pastor Malcolm, the cross was where mercy and justice met. This tool that represents the worst of what we can do was taken up by Christ as He bore the weight of all our sin, securing our redemption.

Worship is such a powerful weapon for the believer. It requires a conscious choice to submit to God in faith and gratitude, trusting that He'll provide just as He's provided in the past. As Paster Malcolm continues our study in the book of Psalms, we'll be reminded of this beautiful truth. When we walk through dark times, it may be hard to see a way out. We may struggle to remember the mountaintops we've been on. But we can choose to lift our eyes to God, and we'll find joy as we sing His praise.

Worship is such a powerful weapon for the believer. It requires a conscious choice to submit to God in faith and gratitude, trusting that He'll provide just as He's provided in the past. As Paster Malcolm continues our study in the book of Psalms, we'll be reminded of this beautiful truth. When we walk through dark times, it may be hard to see a way out. We may struggle to remember the mountaintops we've been on. But we can choose to lift our eyes to God, and we'll find joy as we sing His praise.

That can be a fine line to walk, can't it? Discerning whether someone's behavior, attitude or lifestyle is a violation of God's design; or whether they only offend your personal convictions or values. There are things we consider inappropriate in certain settings or for certain age groups, but that doesn't mean they're wrong or sinful. As Pastor Malcolm will point out in today's message, we need to submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit as we seek to set boundaries and limitations within the Church.

That can be a fine line to walk, can't it? Discerning whether someone's behavior, attitude or lifestyle is a violation of God's design; or whether they only offend your personal convictions or values. There are things we consider inappropriate in certain settings or for certain age groups, but that doesn't mean they're wrong or sinful. As Pastor Malcolm will point out in today's message, we need to submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit as we seek to set boundaries and limitations within the Church.

When something horrible happens in life, it's natural to question how God could have let it. But this question can also be incredibly ironic. For many people, they want little or nothing to do with God, ignoring His existence and directly disobeying His commands and rejecting His design. But as Pastor Malcolm points out in today's message, when those same people experience some kind of misfortune, they often throw it in God's face, wondering how he could be so cruel or uncaring.

When something horrible happens in life, it's natural to question how God could have let it. But this question can also be incredibly ironic. For many people, they want little or nothing to do with God, ignoring His existence and directly disobeying His commands and rejecting His design. But as Pastor Malcolm points out in today's message, when those same people experience some kind of misfortune, they often throw it in God's face, wondering how he could be so cruel or uncaring.

If you have kids, then you know that they copy everything you do. Even if you're not trying to teach your kids something, somehow they pick up every little movement and saying, usually you don't know they've gotten something from you until they show you. But wouldn't it be awesome if your kid followed Jesus because they saw you following Jesus? Today, Pastor Malcolm says you must share the gospel with the next generation, so they have the chance to receive the good news of Jesus.

If you have kids, then you know that they copy everything you do. Even if you're not trying to teach your kids something, somehow they pick up every little movement and saying, usually you don't know they've gotten something from you until they show you. But wouldn't it be awesome if your kid followed Jesus because they saw you following Jesus? Today, Pastor Malcolm says you must share the gospel with the next generation, so they have the chance to receive the good news of Jesus.

Have you ever watched a sports game that went down to the wire? Maybe it was a game where it went into multiple overtime periods or a last-second shot. In Those moments, no one ever knows the outcome, and yet those are the times people remember forever. Doesn't life feel like those moments sometimes? Today, Pastor Malcolm says, sometimes God doesn't always tell you why situations are happening in your life. So He can provide more abundantly, and so you remember His faithfulness.