God… pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant. Micah 7:18 Micah preached this message to all the people of Israel. The sad fact is that to the vast majority of people, what Micah said didn't make the slightest difference. Life went on exactly the same as it had before. Another day, another pound (or shekel). The vast majori…

If the apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith, how much more should we be asking the Lord to increase ours? Today, Pastor Colin Smith explores this crucial question as we dive into Luke 17. Discover why the disciples asked Jesus to bolster their faith and how that applies to our lives today. Explore with Pastor Colin how challenges like tempt…

He will tread our iniquities underfoot. Micah 7:19 If hurling your iniquities into the depths of the sea refers to God’s deliverance from past sins, then treading your sins underfoot must refer to temptations that still lie ahead of you. Here you are going out into another week, and Satan has already set some snares in your path. Every one of us wi…

You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19 This is a marvellous picture: God hurling your iniquities into the depths of the sea. A pastor once said: “When God throws your sins into the depths of the sea, He puts up a big sign that says. No fishing!” When God forgives. He takes the past with all of its guilt, and it is gone. B…

Today, we're venturing into the profound concept of faith. Pastor Smith reassures us that we should never despise little faith. Any faith, however small, is a precious gift for which we should be thankful. As we explore Luke 17, we see that even little faith can accomplish remarkable things, but no believer should be content with just a small amoun…

He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. Micah 7:18 It's hard to think of any issue that causes more difficulty in the minds and hearts of so many people than the anger of God. We tend to suppress the idea of God’s anger or deny it. You’ve likely heard someone say, “I grew up believing in an angry God, but now I …

The focus of today’s broadcast is on a pivotal moment from the Gospel of Luke where the disciples ask Jesus to "increase our faith." This request, humbly made by those who already followed Jesus, highlights the universal need for spiritual growth and deeper trust in God. Pastor Colin explores how life’s challenges often bring us to a point where we…

I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgement for me. Micah 7:9 All of our experience indicates that we seem more under God’s judgement than His blessing. Our culture is falling apart. Families are breaking up. God is hiding His face from us. We have sinned and we are unde…

In today's powerful message of "Faith, Hope, and Love", Pastor Colin shares why he believes these virtues are pivotal for the Christian Church today. We'll explore how growing in faith can help us overcome discouragement, despair, and conflict. Through the example of the disciples, Pastor Colin guides us in understanding the importance of increasin…

But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. Micah 7:7 God may seem hidden to us, but He is never absent. He may seem far away, but He is always at work. Micah knows God is near, and that is why He watches and waits. Fishermen know about this. You don't see any fish, but you know they’re there, so you watch and y…

In today's broadcast, we delve into the profound words of Jesus on the cross, "It is finished," exploring the pivotal question: What was finished? Pastor Colin shares that Jesus absorbed God's wrath, enduring the agonies of hell so that we, as believers, are no longer under God's condemnation. We are invited to celebrate this truth at the heart of …

Then my enemy will see, and shame will cover her who said to me, “Where is the LORD your God?” Micah 7:10 All Micah can say is that things will be different in the future, but as he writes, he has no compelling answer to offer the cynic who says, “Where is your God?” Micah is surrounded by trouble and God is nowhere to be found. He doesn’t know whe…

Woe is me! Micah 7:1 In order to understand Micah’s misery, we must look at three things that were happening among God’s people. The loss of godly character. Micah says, “The godly has perished from the earth” (7:2). He is talking about a loss of godly character: “I look at how people are living, and all I can see is godly character being swept awa…

He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19 When Jesus came preaching the message of the gospel, He said, “The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). But too often we’ve cut that in half. We sometimes drop the “repen…

In today's episode, we're diving into the profound question of forgiveness as we explore "The God Who Forgives and Restores." Pastor Colin sheds light on the awe-inspiring nature of God's forgiveness, using Micah 7 to illustrate the divine justice and love that met at the cross. This heartfelt message reminds us of the immense cost of forgiveness a…

What does the Lord require of you but… to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 If you want to walk with God, you need to get on the path where He is—the path of justice and mercy. God says to us: "If you get on that path, you will find me there." God is the God of justice and mercy. This is what the cross is all about: God’s justice was poured out …

Today’s message, "The God Who Hides Himself," addresses a profound and sometimes troubling part of Christian life. When God feels distant, it can be disheartening, but the Bible offers comfort and guidance during these times. Pastor Colin shares the story of Jonah and the disciples to illustrate that both disobedience and obedience can lead to chal…

What does the Lord require of you but… to love kindness? Micah 6:8 The second dimension of our calling is to love kindness or mercy. To love mercy is not merely to show mercy, but to love it. People who love mercy look for any opportunity to show it. We’ve talked about ways in which you may have wronged other people, but there are also situations i…

Are you ever frustrated or searching for a deeper sense of fulfilment in life? Join us on Open The Bible with Pastor Colin Smith as we explore what it truly means to follow Jesus. In today’s episode, Pastor Colin delves into the topic "The God Who Hides Himself," addressing the dark places and challenges that Christians may face. Discover how the B…

What does the LORD require of you but to do justice? Micah 6:8 To “do justice” means you do what is right even when it is costly. You pursue integrity rather than convenience. It means asking, “How can I give full value?” rather than wondering, "What can I get away with?" It means refusing to take advantage of someone who is vulnerable. It means tr…

In Part 2 of "The God Who Sends out Subpoenas," Pastor Colin delves into the topic of guilt and how to seek God's forgiveness. If you're feeling the weight of guilt and don't know how to handle it, this episode is a beacon of hope. We begin with a person wrestling with their conscience, considering dramatic life changes to atone for their guilt. Pa…

With what shall I come before the LORD… Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Micah 6:6 These are the words of someone who holds up his hands and says, “You got me. I’m guilty. Now what do I do?” Our first instinct when we feel guilty is to become religious (burnt offerings). “This doesn’t feel right. Maybe we could …

In today’s episode, get ready for a dramatic and thought-provoking dive into Micah chapter 6, where we'll unpack an extraordinary courtroom scene where God isn't the judge, but the prosecuting attorney. Explore the powerful imagery of God holding His people accountable, highlighting both His faithfulness and the shortcomings of His followers. As Pa…

The voice of the Lord cries to the city…"Can I forget any longer the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked?" Micah 6:9-10 Some folks had become pretty wealthy, but God has some questions about how they made all their money. This hits pretty close to home. Maybe you have done well in business, but you feel uncomfortable about how you ma…

“I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.” Micah 6:4 God was saying to His people: “Your parents were slaves. If it had not been for me, that would have been your life too. But I stepped in and brought them out of Egypt. I made them my own and brought them in…

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…