Malachi
Living for His Glory
How Have We Spoken Against You?
June 26, 2016 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
In this final passage from the book of Malachi, the prophet warns Judah that their words are a personal attack against the Lord. They claim that the arrogant and evildoers are blessed, and that their conceived good works and obedience are overlooked. They are assured that a day of judgment will indeed come, and are reminded to fear the Lord and keep his commandments. Like the people of Judah, our perspective is often distorted. Only through God's Word will we have a proper perspective and fear of the Lord. Do we live for the glory of God? Are our lives marked by the fear of the Lord, service to him, and obedience to his Word?
How Have We Robbed You?
June 19, 2016 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
In this passage from the book of Malachi, the prophet warns his people that they are robbing God in their tithes and offerings. They are called to remember God's unchanging character, and to return to him. The Lord commands them to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, and then promises them abundant blessing. As New Testament believers, we have the privilege of giving as part of our worship of God in response to what Christ has done. Do we use our financial resources as a testimony and a witness to the world around us? How can we glorify God and serve others with what God has blessed us with?
How Have We Wearied You?
June 12, 2016 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
In this passage from the book of Malachi, the prophet warns the people that they have wearied the Lord with their words. They have questioned God's justice, accusing him of delighting in and blessing evildoers. They don't see that they too are sinners, and that it is God's great mercy and grace that delay his justice. God's wrath against sin will indeed be poured out, and it is only by putting our faith in Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for our sin and satisfied the justice of God, that we can be saved. How have we responded to God's grace? Do we truly fear God and live for his glory?
Breaking Faith
June 5, 2016 • Pastor Neal Hackbarth
In this passage from the book of Malachi, the prophet rebukes God's people for breaking the covenant of their fathers. They have profaned God's sanctuary, and have dealt treacherously with each other. He specifically rebukes them for their treatment of their wives, and warns them against breaking that covenant relationship. As God's people, are we being faithful in our relationships? Are we guarding our thoughts, desires, and interactions?
How Have We Despised You?
May 29, 2016 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
In this passage from the book of Malachi, God's people and their spiritual leaders are rebuked for the way that they are worshipping the Lord. Instead of bringing the best of their flocks for sacrifice, they are bringing their lame, sick, and unwanted animals. They have lost their zeal and love for the Lord. They are reminded that God cares about their actions, their attitude, and their motivation in worship. God deserves the best from his people, and they will be called to give an account. What is the quality of our worship? Do we give the Lord our best, our first, and our all?
We Are Loved
May 22, 2016 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
In this first passage from the book of Malachi, the prophet must share a burdensome message with his people. They had forgotten God's love, and had allowed their relationship with him and with others to become distorted. Malachi reminds them that God has a covenant love for them, and that this love should be the foundation for their obedience. His love is demonstrated in his sovereignty in salvation, and this realization should lead God's people to utter humility and thankfulness. Have we been changed by God's love? Do we delight in his word and in sharing our faith?