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.

What does God expect of us? The answer is found in Micah 6.8 (MSB)... He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Some call the book of Jonah a whale of a tale, but Brett sees it as a powerful little book (only four chapters) that packs a powerful punch. See the amazing love of our God for rebels, and be challenged to pursue a love that is unnatural for us.

The shortest book in the Old Testament, Obadiah provides a powerful warning against the sin of pride.  The Edomites, a people though small in number, were not small in pride. And their sinful pride primed them for inevitable judgment from Almighty God.

Trevor Davis shares how Great Commission Church went from being a Word church to a Word & Spirit church. As they keep the Gospel central and aim at boldly sharing the message of Christ, the Holy Spirit does amazing things in their midst.

Trevor Davis shares the story of how he and Great Commission Church began to increasingly experience the supernatural power of God in their midst.

Trevor Davis, founder of Great Commission Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi, joins Brett to tell the story of his conversion to Christ. He also shares a little about his experience as a media statistician for the NBA.

In this five-minute message, Brett shares the basics of the Gospel and then how it changed his life. If you are interested in learning more about the basics of the Gospel in a devotional format, consider buying Brett's book, "These Five Anchors: Discover the Five Doctrines that Bring Stability to Your Life and Eternity."

Joel 2.25 is one of the most encouraging verses in the Bible, especially in regard to the topic of personal regret. For those who feel like they wasted years of their life, this verse brings great hope!

In this concluding episode of their conversation, Jeff shares with Brett about personal experiences he has had since pursuing life in the power and gifting of the Holy Spirit.

When Jeff Tyner went trekking in the Himalayas with a friend, he had no idea he was about to learn about the power of the Holy Spirit in a way he had never dreamed of. In this, part 3 of Brett's interview with Jeff, we learn how this propelled him forward in his pursuit of the convergence of Word and Spirit.

Jeff Tyner returns to Sound of Truth to share about his journey to a convergence of Word and Spirit.

Jeff Tyner joins Brett to share his conversion story at 15. He also shares about his time as a student at Texas A&M, which coincided with the tragic bonfire collapse of 1999 and a growing hunger for God among the Christian students.

Throughout the Old Testament, we see God not shying away from disciplining His wayward children in order to bring them to where they need to be... for abundance and fruitfulness. Amos is one of the prophets who delivers the message of discipline and future abundance, as we see in Amos 9.9-15.

Does God really love us as a father loves his children? Hosea 1.1-11 leaves us with no doubts about His heartfelt affection for His people.

Daniel exercises tremendous resolve when he commits to doing things God's way, no matter what the cost. This resolve results in great glory to God when you are aligned with His will.

The title of today's podcast episode is startling, for sure! But it summarizes well what God said of His people through the prophet Ezekiel. Discover why a loving God would say such a thing in this message from Brett.

What is the best way to start the day? Brett suggests that we should start our day the biblical way... reflecting on the mercy of the Lord in our lives.

What is inappropriate ambition for a follower of Jesus? Conversely, is there any ambition that can be appropriate in a believer's life? Brett answers these questions in this brief message from Jeremiah 45.5.

Do you pray for revival? Isaiah did. Isaiah 64.1-2 is a wonderful model pray for us when it comes to the subject of revival and spiritual awakening.

While it is a myth that the Bible says "FEAR NOT" 365 times, the person who places their trust in the Lord really can banish unneccesary fear from their lives, as the prophet Isaiah declares in Isaiah 41.10. Brett unpacks the comforting truth in from this wonderful verse, which is truly one of the most comforting verses in the Bible. Isaiah 4.10 says (NKJV)... "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Brett shares a short message for Christians who are single and desire to be married.

In part 3 of Brett's interview of Jeff Wells, the focus is Jeff's battle with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Hear how it impacted him and how he experienced breakthrough from this increasingly prevalent condition. Jeff's book on the topic can be found HERE. Additional books by Jeff Wells... Pray As They Prayed: A Guide to the Bible's Greatest Prayers Unhurried Time with God Great Verses The church Jeff serves is WoodsEdge Community Church in suburban Houston, Texas.    

As a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), Jeff Wells was taught to believe that not all the spiritual gifts of the New Testament still exist. Specifically, the so-called "miraculous" or "sign" gifts faded away near the conclusion of the 1st Century A.D. But later on, he changed his mind and eventually began to pursue all of the Spirit's gifts. He tells why in this episode. Here is the updated edition of the book that greatly influenced Jeff, written by his DTS Hebrew professor, Jack Deere: Why I am Still Suprised by the Power of the Spirit.

Jeff Wells joins the podcast to talk about his conversion to Christ, his running career, how he met his wife, his elite running career, Steve Prefontaine, and more. HERE is some video footage (no sound) of Jeff Wells running 2nd in the Boston Marathon (Jeff is seen at the 00:20, in the yellow, black, and red Athletics West shirt). His roommate in college and seminary, John Lodwick, is in 4th place, wearing the "Dallas Seminary" shirt. Wells would close the gap and finish only two seconds behind Bill Rodgers, marking the closest finish in race history to this day. Jeff's staff bio page... https://www.woodsedge.org/jeffwells/

Psalm 131, which is one of the Psalms of Acsents (God's people ascending to Jerusalem to worship), communicates the importance of a humble, childlike trust in God.

In this episode, Brett shares 10 tips for experiencing a great year!

Grace Maragni is back, this time to interview the host of Sound of Truth Podcast about his recently released book, These Five Anchors.

Brett is joined by his oldest daughter, Grace, as she shares her personal testimony and they talk a little about when to baptize a child.

Psalm 126 briefly encapsulates both the joy and wonder of salvation with the burden of desiring others to experience it.

In Psalm 117, the shortest chapter in the Bible, God commands us to praise Him. But as Brett shows us from this Psalm, it is reasonable for God to do this... not egotistical.

Psalm 103.1-5 presents to God's people five benefits from our relationship with Him that are worth keeping in mind: - He forgives our sins - He heals us - He redeems us from a low place - He crowns us with love and compassion - He satisfies us with good things

In the second part of his interview with Brett, Jim Muir tells stories of God's blessings in his life as well as an amazing God story of patriotism when America was grieving.

Jim Muir has a fascinating work history. Right out of high school he went to work in the coal mines and did so for twenty years before finding himself out of work and wondering what to do next. He enrolled in the local community college where one of the professors spoke into his life in a way that gave him hope and a purpose. Hear the full story in this encouraging episode.

Retired seminary professor Dr. Jim Kinnebrew joins Brett to talk about Romans 8.28-29 and why it much it means to him... 28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. (Berean Standard Bible)

Phil Nelson returns to Sound of Truth to give an update of how much God is working on the campus of Southern Illinois University as he shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ to students hungry for spiritual reality.

Mark Minor joins Brett for the first of a new series of Bible Chats on the topic of favorite Bible verses (or Life Verses).

Psalm 91 is a powerful Psalm of great hope and promise. Often misunderstood, Brett reveals the key to making sure the Psalm is properly interpreted for today's Christian. Don't be disillusioned by an improper application of the wonderful truth of this Psalm.

Psalm 82 starts with one of the most difficult interpretive challenges in the Old Testament. But the general message of this Psalm is not in doubt... God wants us to rebuke those who take advantage of the oppressed or vulnerable.

In this episode, Brett completes his interview with Michael Rowntree, who is the founding pastor of Convergence Church OKC and a co-host of Remnant Radio. In this episode, Michael shares: > About being mentored by Jack Deere > His early experience with the supernatural gifts > What to say to someone who needs more of the Spirit > What to say to someone who needs more of the Word Convergence Church OKC Remnant Radio

Brett interviews Michael Rowntree, founder of Convergence Church OKC (Oklahoma City) and co-host of the popular YouTube channel (and podcast) Remnant Radio. In this episode Michael shares about his surprising conversion to Christ and his early journey of faith.