What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 If you want to know the kind of life that God is calling you to lead, you won't find a better summary than Micah 6:8. The best way to understand this verse is to get the big picture of the whole chapter. What God says to His people…

Today we're continuing our message, "The God Who Will Not Tolerate Rivals," focusing on idolatry in Micah chapter five. Pastor Colin speaks about the subtle ways idolatry can creep into our lives, reminding us that it’s not always about metal statues but often closer to home. We're exploring how self-help, self-defence, self-deception, and self-wor…

Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. Jonah 2:8 How does a person turn from his or her idols? There’s a one-word answer to this question—“love.” Maybe you are drawn to God, and yet something inside you holds back. We want to draw near to God, but how can we overcome this impulse to avoid Him? That’s why Jesus has …

Today's discussion centres on the concept of being "hide and seekers" in the context of spirituality and faith. Colin introduces a thought-provoking idea that while many people consider themselves seekers of God, they frequently spend equal time hiding from Him. Pastor Colin explains from scripture that those who genuinely seek after God with all t…

You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 You were made for a God-centred life. You were made to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. “Turning from idols” means that you let God be God. It means that you worship God and love Him for who He is, and not as a means to some other end. John Piper makes this poin…

Over the last couple of days, we’ve taken a high-altitude journey through the Bible—covering the entire Old Testament and then immersing ourselves in the Gospels and the life of Jesus. In today’s session, Pastor Colin focuses on the rest of the New Testament and highlights five incredible gifts that God gives to every believer: the Holy Spirit, fai…

I will cut off your horses from among you and will destroy your chariots; and I will cut off the cities of your land… and I will cut off sorceries from your hand, and you shall have no more tellers of fortunes; and I will cut off your carved images and your pillars from among you, and you shall bow down no more to the work of your hands; and I will…

Today we delve into five pivotal events from the life of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels. Last time, we soared through the Old Testament, exploring five key figures in one go. Now, we're going to take a high-altitude journey through the New Testament by focusing on these crucial moments: Jesus’ birth, His temptation, crucifixion, resurrection, and…

“I am the LORD, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:6 Everything in the created order belongs to a class— planets, fish, birds, animals, and humans-but God is in a class of His own. That’s what we mean when we say, “God is holy.” He is set apart from everything else. John Piper says, “Diamonds are valuable because they are rare and hard to make. God …

Welcome to Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith! For the next three days, we've got something new and different for you. Today, Colin tackles the entire Old Testament in just one programme by focusing on five key figures: Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, and Ezra. By getting to know these important individuals, you'll gain a comprehensive outline of …

“In that day,” declares the LORD, “I will cut off your horses from among you and will destroy your chariots.” Micah 5:10 Dr. Walter Kaiser points out four dimensions of idolatry that can be found in Micah 5: Self-help. “I will cut off your horses from among you and will destroy your chariots” (5:10). This is about self- confidence: "We can do it!" …

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” John 5:39-40 There is no better place to hide from God than religion. Being religious allows you to think you’re spiritual even while you are avoiding God. It is possible t…

"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 Why do idols exist? Here are two reasons: Our attraction to God. Every human being is made in the image of God. That’s true of the most messed up, dysfunctional, twisted person you can think of. It is also true of you. That's why wherever you go, you will find that…

Today’s broadcast dives into a frequently debated question: 'Would a God of love send people to hell?' Pastor Colin Smith provides a thoughtful response by exploring the true nature of evil and God's power to overcome it. Join us as we delve into Micah Chapter 4 and examine God’s promise for a world free of evil, war, and suffering. Pastor Colin ex…

“You shall bow down no more to the work of your hands.” Micah 5:13 It’s dangerously easy to turn God’s good gifts into idols. Adam was made to enjoy a relationship with God. Adam had that relationship before he had a home in Eden, before he had work in the garden, and before God gave him a wife. The order is important. God gave Adam the gift of mar…

Today's episode takes inspiration from the iconic song "Imagine" by John Lennon, touching on the themes of peace, love, and a world free from conflict and greed. While the song's vision is compelling, Pastor Colin addresses why such a dream eludes us and explores the deeper issues within and around us that hinder true peace and harmony. Colin delve…

“I will cut off your carved images and your pillars from among you.” Micah 5:13 Notice the word “your” in verse 13. Idolatry had taken root among God’s own people. Micah is talking to the church crowd. Idolatry is worshipping and serving created things rather than the Creator. The apostle Paul speaks about this: “They exchanged the truth about God …

Join us on this episode of Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith as we delve into the importance of living a righteous life. We are reminded that effective praying depends on right living, citing scripture from Micah 3. Pastor Colin teaches us that cherishing iniquity in our hearts can prevent our prayers from being heard by God. This episode is a…

For all the peoples walk each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever. Micah 4:5 God sits exalted on the throne of the universe, the sovereign Lord over all creation. Nothing can touch Him. No one can usurp Him. He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. One God is adored in heaven, and one day He will be …

Today's message dives into the principle that faithfulness in what God has entrusted to us can lead to even greater trust. This holds true for money, responsibility, influence, ministry, and friendships. Pastor Colin underscores the importance of recognising the various trusts we hold, from relationships and work to special gifts and ministry. He r…

“Your hand shall be lifted up over your adversaries, and all your enemies shall be cut off.” Micah 5:9 If you are walking by faith in Jesus Christ, then over the noise of your enemies’ voices, you are able to say: “I am a child of the King. I have a place at His table. I have been redeemed by the blood of Christ. I belong to the Shepherd-King. My l…

Have you ever wondered what would happen if God spoke directly to us? Pastor Colin dives deep into Micah, Chapter 2, exploring the ramifications of a God who speaks for himself. We talk about how ignoring God's word is the ultimate insult and what the Word of God says about judgment and salvation. Join us as Pastor Colin discusses the stark contras…

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Psalm 23:5 Imagine a great banquet hall in the king’s palace. The king is dressed in common clothes, and he is doing the work of a servant, preparing the table for a great banquet. All of us are gathered in this vast hall. We would like to help the king, but he will not allow it. He wants…

From you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Micah 5:2 David was the greatest king God’s people ever had. But he had his own sins and flaws. You will never find a leader who is everything you think a shepherd should be. The good news of the gospel is that God Himself has co…

“The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 The common image of a biblical shepherd is an older man with a beard walking slowly through the countryside. He is wearing a flowing robe and carrying a long stick with a hook on the end. If that’s how you think about a shepherd, then it’s time to change the image. Think about a cattl…

In today's episode, we're diving into the pivotal theme of how we can come to know the living God through His own revelation, rather than through our own ideas or speculations. Pastor Colin compellingly illustrates this with today's message titled, "The God Who Speaks for Himself." Through the lens of scripture, specifically Micah Chapter 2, we wil…

“And you are my sheep, human sheep of my pasture, and I am your God,” declares the LORD God. Ezekiel 34:31 Whenever we come to this theme of shepherds and sheep in the Bible, we have a problem. Animals tend to make us sentimental, and most of us have a remarkable capacity to project an image onto animals that is a long way from reality. Take bears,…

Today's broadcast dives into the profound topic of the sovereignty of God, especially in times of disaster. Many listeners may resonate with the questions posed and the struggles highlighted. Pastor Colin offers heartfelt empathy and turns our attention to the Book of Micah, where the prophet speaks to people facing extraordinary calamities. Colin …

“It shall come to pass in the latter days...” Micah 4:1 How will God establish peace on earth? It begins with God judging. Here are three more things Micah tells us: God will gather. “I will assemble the lame” (4:6). These people have been injured by others’ cruelty. They have difficulty getting where they want to go. Imagine the Lord saying this t…

Have you ever wondered why disasters befall both the righteous and the wicked? Pastor Colin explores this profound question using the book of Micah, showing us that the Bible indeed suggests that suffering is not selectively doled out. Today, we delve into the passages of Micah chapter 1, as Pastor Colin explains the challenging idea that God is in…

He shall judge between many peoples... Micah 4:3 Peace on earth sounds great, but how will God deal with the problems around us and the problems within us? The first thing Micah tells us here is that God will judge, and that this judgement will have two parts. First, God will resolve disputes among His own people. So many disputes among God’s peopl…

Have you ever wondered how a simple farm boy from an obscure town could speak profound truths to a nation? Join Pastor Colin as he delves into the life of Micah—a prophet who, despite his humble beginnings in Moresheth, was tasked with delivering God's word during the reigns of King Ahaz and Hezekiah. Through exploring Micah's story, Pastor Colin b…

It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and it shall be lifted up above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it. Micah 4:1 “The house of the LORD” is the temple, and the temple in the Old Testament was the place where God’s presence came down on the ea…

In today's sermon, Colin contrasts paganism's misunderstanding of divine displeasure, with the gospel's message of hope and redemption through suffering. We'll delve into the book of Micah, exploring a time of both immense moral decay and significant spiritual revival among God's people. Colin emphasises that true faith recognises that God fulfils …

“They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” Micah 4:3 Micah is describing total disarmament—something that’s never been seen in world history—all bombs exploded, all weapons eliminated, all training camps closed, all priso…

But as for me. I am filled with power. with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin. Micah 3:8 For twenty years Micah preached and prayed, and watched things move from bad to worse among the people that he loved, but he was faithful in doing what God had entrusted him to do. Go…

Therefore because of you [unfaithful leaders] Zion shall be ploughed as a field; Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins, and the mountain of the house a wooded height. Micah 3:12 If you had heard Micah speak the words of this prophecy, you would have felt completely hopeless. But the wonderful thing is that it didn’t actually happen for another 100…

Our broadcast today dives into the challenging message of prioritising faith amidst our busy lives, filled with music, food, pets, travel, and sports. While these are good things, Pastor Colin reminds us to take time to look at the Lord Jesus Christ. Today's discussion starts with a simple question: What does it actually mean to look at Jesus Chris…

Then they will cry to the LORD, but he will not answer them; he will hide his face from them at that time, because they have made their deeds evil. Micah 3:4 Here we come to another principle that runs throughout the Bible. “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (Jas. 5:16). Effective praying depends on right living. “L…

Today, we tackle a fundamental question: Why is unbelief the dominant response to the gospel of Jesus Christ? We'll explore why many people are on the broad road to destruction and so few on the narrow path that leads to life, as Jesus described. We'll uncover what lies behind unbelief and discover what can lead to faith, focusing on three hurdles:…

“Hear, you heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel! Is it not for you to know justice?—you who hate the good and love the evil, who tear the skin from off my people and their flesh from off their bones. who eat the flesh of my people. and lay their skin from off them. and break their bones in pieces and chop them up like meat in a pot, lik…

In today's broadcast, we explore a question that many of us have pondered: How can ordinary people like you and me experience peace at all times and in every way? Pastor Colin delves into the Scripture's teachings on this matter, with insightful references to Paul's prayer in 2 Thessalonians Chapter 3:16-18. He highlights that peace isn't about wal…

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Hebrews 13:17 You are accountable for all that you have been given, and the more you have been given, the more accountable you are. That’s why the Bible urges us to pray for our leaders. Children, pray for your parents, becau…

In today's episode, we ask the profound question: Do you have peace with God today? Are you running from Him or feeling afraid? If you find yourself reluctant to pray or despite settling every conflict in your life, you are still missing that ultimate peace, this episode is just for you. Pastor Colin discusses the essential nature of peace with God…

“Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.” Luke 19:17 Jesus told a story about three servants who were trusted with investing money. Two of them did a good job. They were enterprising and showed themselves to be wise managers. In Matthew’s version, when the master returned, …

Today’s episode dives into the deep and often unspoken struggles many believers face in their spiritual journeys. Have you ever felt like God has forgotten you or is hiding His face from you? Join us as Pastor Colin explores Psalm 13, offering guidance on how to pray when you are in an agony of soul. Pastor Colin discuss practical ways to support t…

Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required… Luke 12:48 It is worth taking a moment to think about what God has entrusted to you. Here are some areas to reflect on. Relationships. Your relationships are a trust from God. Every wedding reminds us that one person’s happiness is largely entrusted into the hands of another. When a chi…

Hear, you heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel! Micah 3:1 The Bible has a great deal to say about leadership. Some positions of leadership are elected. That is, people make a choice through a process of voting, by which they trust the task of leadership to people who are willing to take that responsibility. This is what happens in a dem…

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7 God is speaking. And He says two things that He will do: Some time ago, Professor Don Carson was asked to speak at Cambridge University. When he had finished his presentation on biblical Christianity, one of the faculty got up and asked: “So what you’re saying is… if God is a ta…

In today's broadcast, we delve into the complexities of enduring long-term trials and the profound impact it has on our souls. Pastor Colin emphasises that the hardest trials aren't necessarily those that hurt the deepest but those that last the longest. Drawing wisdom from Psalm 13, Colin explores how this scripture speaks directly to our struggle…