Message series: Malachi 1:1-5

It is about time for a short message series.

Over the next couple of months, I will upload short messages based on the book of Malachi. It will probably be eight total and based on the section divisions in the English Standard Version of the Bible.

No special titles. Just taking a quick look at what was said.

So read along with me, and let us study what Malachi said to his people about 2,400 years ago.

Malachi 1:1-5

A prophecy: The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi.

“I have loved you,” says the Lord.

“But you ask, ‘How have you loved us?’

“Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated, and I have turned his hill country into a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.”

Edom may say, “Though we have been crushed, we will rebuild the ruins.”

But this is what the Lord Almighty says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Wicked Land, a people always under the wrath of the Lord. You will see it with your own eyes and say, ‘Great is the Lord—even beyond the borders of Israel!’

Malachi literally means “my messenger”, so he is God’s messenger, as all the Prophets were.

There is nothing new being said today from over two thousand years ago. People are still asking about the existence a good, loving God. People are still claiming God would never cause a calamity or leave people to suffer, especially for eternity.

But why should God help people who want nothing to do with Him?

Why would God force people into heaven if they want nothing to do with Him?

We must remember that the difference between God’s love and hate for us is that His love is given to those who take it, and those who hate Him remain under His wrath.

It is our own fault if we do not receive God’s love.

This Is Why We Struggle With the Enemy

Yep.

Anthony Baker's avatarThe Recovering Legalist

Pastor, preacher, minister, Christian… if we feel like the Enemy is winning, like he’s not even intimidated, there’s probably a simple reason.Andrew Murray

Andrew Murray (1828-1917) was a South African preacher and pastor (of Scottish decent). But more than anything, he was a prayer warrior. Some of his theology may not sit well with all of some of us, but one thing is certain: this man had a heart for God like few others.

The following is from his book Living a Prayerful Life:

The Enemy uses all his power to lead the Christian – and above all, the minister – to neglect prayer. Satan knows that however admirable the sermon may be, however attractive the service, however faithful the pastoral visitation, none of these things can damage him or his kingdom if prayer is neglected. – Andrew Murray (p. 28)

I’m not going to lie – I don’t pray like…

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VerseD: Isaiah 25:8

He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 25:8, ESV

Christ defeated death and sin at the Passover weekend 2000 years ago.
We are merely in the small closing battles until His triumphant return!

VerseD: John 13:34

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
John 13:34, ESV

How did Christ love others?
Grace.
Mercy.
Patience.
He defended truth, yes, but He also (usually) lovingly guided back to truth.

VerseD: Philippians 2:8

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:8, ESV

God put Himself through torture and death to free us from sin and wrath.
Are we willing to empty ourselves and humbly obey God?
Can I love my neighbor with Christ’s sacrificial love?

Video Lesson: 40 Days with Jesus

He is risen! [Please say the next part!]

Post Resurrection Sunday, or Easter Sunday, we have that time period between the resurrection and ascension of Jesus.

Here is fill-out-able lesson that you can try completing before watching the video, and then you check the answers and get the full teaching in the video!

Jesus rose from the dead on what we now call Easter Sunday.

Acts 1:1-3 – He interacted with his disciples for                    days before He ascended to the Father.

What did Jesus do during this time?

  1. Jesus r                     with His followers
    1. Luke 24:30-35 – disciples going to
      E                               
    2. John 20:19-29 – the E                          , even D                            T                        
    3. John 21:15-19 – P                           is restored

      This shows us that Jesus shows grace but calls us to truth and understanding.
  2. Jesus t                     His followers
    1. Luke 24:13-49 – again, on the way to Emmaus and back in J                                     .
    2. Acts 1:1-5 – He spoke of the K                  .
    3. Matthew 28:18-20 – The G                         C                                            

      This shows us that Jesus reiterated and revealed how the Scriptures spoke of Him, and He commanded us to share this with the world.
  3. Jesus e                             his followers
    1. Matthew 28:18-20 – The Great Commission under His authority
    2. John 20:21-23, Acts 1:5-8 – Giving the H                  
      S                         

      This shows us that we have the power to proclaim the Gospel, for we have the Word of Truth (Jesus, and the Spirit-inspired Bible)

So, may we trust the empowering Holy Spirit who connects us with Father to teach the world about Jesus – the One revealed in Scripture who saves us from sin!

VerseD: John 6:35

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”
John 6:35, ESV

Firstly, we are blessed when we hunger and thirst for righteousness, for we will be satisfied. (Matthew 5:6)
Secondly, all our appetites shall be satisfied in the Lord, most especially in eternal life.

Something Good Worth Waiting For

Anthony Baker's avatarThe Recovering Legalist

I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. – Psalm 40:1

There’s an old saying, “good things come to those who wait.” Where did it come from? Who said it first? I don’t know, although I’m sure it’s traceable. All I know is that the first verse of Psalm 40 says almost the same thing, only what comes to the one waiting is better than anything this world can offer.

Something’s Wrong

Let’s think about some things that have to be going on for this verse to make any sense. First, something is wrong. Why else would David be crying out to God? Something is wrong. Why else would he be wanting God to do something.

Last night I dealt with some serious prayer requests. One thing led to another and I brought up the question that so many ask: “If there’s a…

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VerseD: Luke 19:38

saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Luke 19:38, ESV

First the angels at His birth, and then Israelites at His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, gave glory to God at Jesus’ arrival. Someday [soon], all the [believing] world will celebrate Jesus’ return for His faithful!

VerseD: Psalm 46:10

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10, ESV

Our world is crazy and wicked.
But we can remember that God is in control and has a plan.
Wait on the Lord. Trust Him.