Noise

Send us Fan MailIn this week's 'Words of Life' broadcast / podcast...We live in a time where volume is mistaken for value. The message unpacked within Pastor Mark's sermon centers on a single word—noise—and how it corrodes discernment, fractures community, and drowns out the gospel of Jesus Christ. Drawing from 1 John 4:1–3, we explore why testing spirits is not cynicism but obedience, and how guarding the heart is a spiritual discipline, not a lifestyle trend. Noise is any unwanted interference that disrupts peace, clarity, or truth. Noise agitates and disturbs the mind, elevates stress, and blurs our ability to hear God. In our digital age, noise multiplies: negative news cycles, comment and dislike wars, platform branding, and even church politics. The answer is not retreat but discernment formed by Scripture and unconditional, unwavering love towards those within our circle of influence.The first pillar within the message is clear: God’s Word is the standard, not the speaker's vernacular. The Apostle John warns that many false prophets have gone out, and Jesus predicted impressive signs used to mislead. A compelling voice, large following, or flawless branding cannot authenticate truth. The Berean Christians modeled a better way: receive teaching eagerly, then examine the Scriptures daily to verify it. When we compare messages to the entire counsel of God, in context, the fog lifts. We stop chasing hot takes, cute colloquialisms, or posts to engage and start cultivating holy habits. Discernment grows when we slow down, turn down the volume, and let God's Word dwell richly within us.Next comes the fruit test. Not every voice that says “Lord, Lord” is known by Jesus. Examine lifestyle, motives, and message. Does the speaker prioritize Jesus crucified and risen, or do they elevate brand, denomination, agenda or ideology? Do their words cultivate love, repentance, and humility, or do they stoke envy, strife, and self-importance? False teachers are self-referential, while the Spirit points to Christ and pours out love for others. Real ministry may confront sin, but it does not dehumanize people. It carries the fragrance of the Spirit: patience, kindness, self-control. If the content from one's platform is mostly self-help, psychology, politics, or prosperity, with Christ used as garnish, it’s likely harmful, spiritual noise.Thus, guarding our heart is not avoidance; it’s stewardship. Proverbs 4:23 calls the heart the wellspring of life, a source that must be protected from contamination. This means carefully selecting our inputs: less doomscrolling, more Scripture; fewer divisive opinions and arguments, more prayer; fewer platform wars, more quiet obedience. Jesus’ call, “Whoever has ears, let them hear,” urges us to listen with spiritual attention, not just consume His words. If a message cannot confess Jesus as the only way to the Father and refuses to embody love, it fails the discernment test. The antichrist spirit is not always a monstrous one; it is often a polished, pragmatic, and popular one.Finally, we return to the priority which we will be held accountable for: elevate Jesus as the sole means of hope for humanity. Ministry exists to herald Christ, not personalities or agendas. The world does not need a louder church; it needs one with crystal-clear clarity. This week's challenge? Ask yourself..."Does this message line up with GOD's Word or have I wasted time infecting my heart, by listening to unproductive, harmful, spiritual 'noise?'"In lieu of eternity, sermons and musical artists are featured to extol JESUS CHRIST as the sole hope for the eternal souls of humanity.