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Series: Signs & GloryTitle: Who is Jesus according to John?Scripture: John 1:19-34Matthew 3:1-12Malachi 4:4-5; Deut 18:18Bottom line: John the Baptist comes as the voice of one pointing others to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. We receive this forgiveness when we repent and believe.INTRODUCTIONCONTEXTSERMON OUTLINECONCLUSIONNOTESOUTLINESQUESTIONS TO CONSIDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONSMAIN REFERENCES USEDMy opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. INTRODUCTIONEven if you're not an NFL fan nor a Swifty, you've probably heard about the budding romance between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce (tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs). Swifties who never cared about football before this have become KC fans. And some NFL fans have been learning how to "Shake it off" as they learn Taylor Swifts latest songs. There's nothing wrong with being a fan of TK or TS. If you are, that makes you a "Groupie" of the one you are a fan of.However, there can become a point at which being a groupie is detrimental to your heart. It can lead you to sin.As a groupie of TK or TS, if you are consumed with the idea of getting a selfie with them so that you can show everybody that you were with the star, that can be an unhealthy place to be. Because you're making it all about you.In contrast, you could be a roadie. So TS has a crew that she pays but who gladly serve her behind the scenes so that her show comes off great and that she, as the star of her show, is easily seen and heard for her fans. They work tirelessly before, during and after the show for one purpose--to make much about the TS who is the star. The same can be said of all the trainers and support team for TK and the KC Chiefs. The players are the stars and the support crew is all about making the stars look good and be successful as a team. These folks are behind the scenes and embrace their role gladly. We as Christians believe that Jesus is worthy of all our worship. We believe that he is the Star of stars for all time. But do our lives look like that? Do we live gladly serving him behind the scenes making him look good while pointing others to him? Or do we want to be seen serving him or talking about him in such a way that others think we're great?If someone were to follow you around for a week, what would they conclude about you? Who would they think you think is the star in your life?John the Baptist is the best roadie I can find in Scripture. His whole life he lives in obscurity in the wilderness, preparing for over a decade for his brief public ministry. And what ministry is that? To make much of the Star, Jesus Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This is where John the Apostle will take us today.It had been 400 years since God had spoken through one of his prophets. (Malachi) God broke the silence through an Elijah-like prophet called John, later called John the Baptizer because he preached a message of repentance and at the invitation, if you repented, you immediately were baptized in the River Jordan. This was considered evidence of your sincere belief that you genuinely repented of your sins and that believed that God forgave you because of your faith. This got a lot of attention. Soon crowds formed to hear the preaching of this great prophet. What was provoking to the religious leaders in Jerusalem was the fact that he wasn't just baptizing Gentile converts to Judaism but Jews. They taught that as God's chosen people, they were already saved and settled in his kingdom. (Not that that is what the OT scriptures actually teach, but I digress)There were rules and regulations about how to do things like preach, baptize, etc. John was unsettling the leaders because he seemed ok ignoring those rules. And, because he was getting large crowds, they knew they needed to investigate further and see if they needed to take action. Thus the inquiry in the desert. CONTEXTThis series is called Signs & Glory. Zooming out, this book of the Bible by John the Apostle or Disciple is written that we might believe that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God and that by believing have life in his name. That's the point of this gospel account of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.Zooming in further, we see this gospel account divided into 2 major sections. The first 12 chapters will show us the 7 signs of belief along with many others truths that illustrate and justify the teachings of Jesus. Chapters 13-20 will show us the glory of God on full display. We'll see the light, life and love of God through his divine AND human son, Jesus of Nazareth during the last week of his life.In John 1:19-2:12, the apostle John begins his gospel narrative like the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark & Luke) do: Beginning with John the Baptist. This chunk of scripture covers Jesus' first week of public ministry. It skips his actual baptism, though he implies it. It also skips his 40 days being tempted by Satan in the wilderness. John assumes his readers already know about this and, even if they don't, it's well covered in the synoptic gospels already. He's moving on so he can focus on the themes he feels led to focus on.6 of the 7 days are mentioned so we'll point those out along the way. Verse 19 is day 1 of his first week.The first 12 chapters of John are about the Signs of the Messiah. After that, John's focus is on the Glory of the Messiah. SERMON I. Who is John the Baptist & what's he about, according to John the Apostle? (1:19–28)II. What does J the B say about the Lamb of God, according to John the Apostle? (1:29–31)III. What does J the B say about of Jesus' Identity, according to John the Apostle? (1:32–34)CONCLUSION"In 1912, when the Titanic sank, a pastor named John Harper was aboard. As the ship went down, Harper ensured his young daughter was safely placed on a lifeboat but stayed behind to help others. Survivors later recounted how Harper swam from person to person in the freezing water, urging them to trust in Jesus. His final words to a man clinging to debris were, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved."-ChatGPT & GeminiBottom line: John the Baptist comes as the voice of one pointing others to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. We receive this forgiveness when we repent and believe.What about you?Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIVHow are you living today? Like a Jesus groupie or Jesus roadie?InvitationHow do we respond? Answer 2 questions:Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions: What is God saying to me right now?What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper. What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don't have to get too specific to give him praise.Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)PrayNOTESGroupies vs RoadiesDo you know the difference between a roadie and a groupie? If you're on tour with a rockstar and you are part of the crew that travels with the rockstar, that sets up before the rockstar gets there, that tears down after the concert is over, and that works all the things that have to happen behind the scenes like lights and sound, then you're the roadie. You're someone who exists to lift up the star and to make much about the star of the show. In contrast, a groupie is a person who buys a ticket and shows up an hour before the show and then does everything they can to try to get a picture with the star of the show. They want it to be about them as much as it is about the star. They are not around for setting up or tearing down. They are simply there to be seen with the star.John the Baptist is a roadie. He does not want to be seen with the star in the sense that he doesn't want to be in the in the limelight. He makes it very clear that he is not the star and that he's not even worthy to do the most menial task for the star Jesus. This is the posture that God calls all of his followers to have. It is what we see John the Baptist model as well.“Charles Lamb was once in a group of men who were discussing what they would do if certain great men suddenly appeared in their midst. When the name of Jesus was mentioned, Lamb remarked that if other great men appeared, they would all rise but that if Jesus appeared, they would all kneel. Men in every age have felt this reverence, showing that among all who have known him is the feeling that he is far more than a prophet.” -Edward W. Bauman in his book the Life and Teaching of Jesus, pp. 195-196OUTLINESOutline from Willmington's Outline Bible OUTLINE JOHN 1John begins his Gospel by talking about the deity of Christ, then describes the ministry of John the Baptist. Jesus is baptized and calls his first disciples.I. FACTS CONCERNING THE PREINCARNATE CHRIST (1:1-5)A. His relationship to the Father (1:1-2)1. Christ's eternality is declared (1:1a, 2): He already existed in the beginning.2. Christ's deity is declared (1:b): He is God.B. His relationship to the world (1:3-5)1. He is the sole creator (1:3): Nothing exists that he didn't make.2. He is light and life (1:4-5): His life gives light to everyone, and the darkness cannot extinguish it.II. FACTS CONCERNING THE INCARNATE CHRIST (1:6-51)A. The miracle (1:14): God became human and lived on earth among us.B. The mission (1:10-13): He came to save sinners.1. Some rejected him (1:10-11): The world and even the people in his own country did not understand him.2. Some received him (1:12-13): Those who believed him became children of God.C. The men (1:6-9, 15-51)1. Christ's faithful forerunner (1:6-9, 15-34)a. John the Baptist and the crowds (1:6-9, 15-18): John makes three key statements to the people.(1) He is to serve as a witness to Christ (1:6-9).(2) Christ is greater than John or Moses (1:15-17).b. John the Baptist and the critics (1:19-28): John speaks to the Pharisees who are sent to cross-examine him.(1) John says that he is not the Messiah (1:19-20).(2) John says that he is not Elijah (1:21).(3) John says that he has been sent to prepare the way for the Lord (1:22-28).c. John the Baptist and the Christ (1:29-34)(1) He introduces the Savior (1:29-31).(2) He baptizes the Savior (1:32-34).2. Christ's first five followers (1:35-51)a. Andrew and John the apostle (1:35-39)b. Peter (1:40-42)c. Philip (1:43)d. Nathanael (1:44-51)QUESTIONS TO CONSIDERWhat do I want them to know? Why do I want them to know it?What do I want them to do?Why do I want them to do it?How do they do this?DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/Read the passage together.Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really true, what should I do?What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)Who am I going to tell about this?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastAlternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:Who is God?What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)What do I do? (In light of who I am)How do I do it?Final Questions (Write this down)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?MAIN REFERENCES USED“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent HughesExalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)Willmington's Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.orgThe Bible Project https://bibleproject.com“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)Claude.aiChatGPT 4.o
Malachi - God's Love for Jacob, Sin of the Priests, Priests to Be Disciplined, Sin in the Family. The New Heaven and Earth, The New Jerusalem.
MESSAGE AND MESSENGERS Before the fall of Adam and Eve, God the Father's plan was already in motion to bring about a new creation of humanity in the earth combining God and humanity in his Son, Jesus. This was not an afterthought of God after the fall but a divine plan for union of human mortality and Divine immortality (John 11:26), giving humanity a path to oneness with God, and Jesus was fully aware of this from before time began, knowing that becoming human was the only way for humanity to experience the fullness of God's love, and he would become its most perfect expression. For ages, the earth suffered under the weight of its brokenness. Humanity was lost, unable to heal itself. Suspicion and hostility toward Father God, sown by Lucifer, had led to a distorted view of God in the earth. Many saw Him as distant and judgmental, fostering a religion of fear and appeasement. But God had a greater answer-not a set of rituals or rules, but Himself. Jesus, as God and man, would bridge the gap between heaven and earth. He would step out of eternity and into time, exchanging pure Spirit existence for Divine within human existence. In this grand mission, the Holy Spirit played an essential role. The Spirit would partner with Jesus, sharing every moment of His earthly life. This partnership ensured that the Holy Spirit, too, would intimately experience human existence. After Jesus completed His mission, the Holy Spirit would continue the work of revealing God's love and drawing humanity into communion with the Divine. To begin this new chapter, God sent a Divine seed to earth, choosing Mary, a young and humble woman, to receive it. The angel Gabriel appeared to her, announcing that she had been chosen to bear a child-Jesus, the Son of God. Although Mary was initially confused, having never been with a man, Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would overshadow her, and she would conceive a child by Divine power. He reassured her that this was God's will, and Mary, in faith and humility, responded, "Let it be done unto me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Mary was betrothed to a man called Joseph and in the cultural context of Mary and Joseph, betrothal was a formal, legal agreement between families, often formalized with a written contract (ketubah) and the couple was considered legally married, so if there was a breach of honour to that contract, either party could initiate divorce proceedings. The betrothal period typically lasted about a year, and during this time, the bride remained in her parents' home, and the groom prepared a place for their future life together, often by building or preparing a home. When Joseph discovered that Mary was going to have a child he was deeply troubled but he resolved to act with compassion, planning to quietly divorce her. However, an angel appeared to him in a dream, telling him that Mary's child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and would save His people from their sins. Joseph obeyed the angel's command, and he took Mary as his wife while refraining from consummating their marriage until Jesus was born. Following Gabriel's announcement, Mary journeyed to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was also experiencing a miraculous pregnancy. Elizabeth, though elderly and previously unable to conceive, was carrying John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Jesus. When Mary greeted her cousin, Elizabeth's unborn child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaimed, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" (Luke 1:42). Mary responded with a song of praise, glorifying God for His faithfulness and mercy. Elizabeth gave birth to her son, and her neighbours and relatives rejoiced with her. At the circumcision ceremony, it was assumed the child would be named Zechariah, after his father. However, Elizabeth insisted he be named John, and when questioned, Zechariah, who had been struck mute for doubting Gabriel's prophecy, wrote the name John on a clay tablet and Immediately, his voice returned, and he praised God. This moment marked the end of a long silence, both for Zechariah and for the people of Israel. Zecharia being struck mute for a season of time was symbolic of Israel, who had not heard a prophetic voice for 400 years since the prophecy of Malachi. Malachi's prophesy came from the last verse of the last chapter of the last book of the Old Testament, and the final words of Malachi declared that God would send the prophet Elijah before the coming of the Messiah and that he would turn the hearts of the children to their fathers and the hearts if the fathers to their children. Zechariah, under the prophetic anointing of the Holy Spirit, prophesied over John, declaring, "You, my child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness of their sins" (Luke 1:76-77). John's life and ministry would pave the way for the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah. When John the Baptist began his ministry of preparing the way for Jesus many in Israel believed that he was Elijah whom Malachi had prophesied about, and even Jesus said that John had come in the spirit of Elijah - This is the one about whom it is written: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. (Matthew 11) During that 400 year spiritual silence from the time of Malachi God's people had been waiting for a clear word, a new revelation of his presence among them, Emmanuel. This silence reflected the darkness and disorder of a world longing for hope and direction. With John's ministry and Jesus' baptism, this silence was fully broken for all the world to hear God and have his presence amongst them. And today, we find ourselves in a similar time of waiting through another season of relative silence from Heaven into a world that is rife with uncertainty, division, and spiritual disconnection. Many voices in this global culture clamour for attention yet rarely bring clarity or wisdom. But in the midst of this, God is stirring the hearts of His people, to hear his voice and to awaken others and turn their hearts back to him. Just as John's mission was to prepare the way for Jesus, the Holy Spirit is working in us who believe to bring light and hope to the world. This preparation doesn't rely on loud proclamations or dramatic gestures but on God's people hearing his voice and responding with consistent acts of love and faith as he moves through our everyday lives inspiring us to reflect God's mercy and truth in our everyday interactions. Zechariah's regained voice reminds us that God's word always comes at the appointed time. As we await a fresh movement of the Spirit, we can take comfort in knowing that God is never silent without purpose. In these moments of waiting, God prepares us to receive and share a deeper level of being in his presence amongst us, Emmanuel. When His voice breaks through, it will be with clarity, cutting through the confusion of the world. Malachi prophesied before the 400 years of silence that God would turn the hearts of the children to their fathers and the hearts of the fathers to their children at the time of his first coming into the world - and in the days of his second coming into the world. Today this means that there will be a grace upon families that will become reunited in the love of God and one another, seen as simple yet powerful acts of kindness, and words of encouragement, and lives grounded in compassion that become beacons of hope. This is how the Holy Spirit works today, just as He did in the time of Mary, Joseph, and John the Baptist. Jesus chose ordinary people and God accomplished extraordinary things, drawing the world closer to His heart. As Zechariah declared, "The tender mercy of our God, by which the Daystar shall visit us from on high, will give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, guiding our feet into the way of peace" (Luke 1:78-79). This promise remains true for us today. In the midst of the darkness of today's world of chaos, the light of God's love is beginning to shine. As we choose to live in that love and its light, we will witness the hand of God bringing order out of chaos and bringing unity, hope, and peace to people in our own personal world.
Bill Allen - Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Bill Allen - Tuesday, October 15, 2024
A new MP3 sermon from Woolwich Evangelical Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Loyalty to the Lord Subtitle: Malachi-God's Messenger Speaker: Ashley Mendes Broadcaster: Woolwich Evangelical Church Event: Bible Study Date: 8/15/2024 Bible: Malachi 2:1-16 Length: 33 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Woolwich Evangelical Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Loyalty to the Lord Subtitle: Malachi-God's Messenger Speaker: Ashley Mendes Broadcaster: Woolwich Evangelical Church Event: Bible Study Date: 8/15/2024 Bible: Malachi 2:1-16 Length: 33 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Woolwich Evangelical Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Giving Our Best to the Lord Subtitle: Malachi-God's Messenger Speaker: Ashley Mendes Broadcaster: Woolwich Evangelical Church Event: Bible Study Date: 8/8/2024 Bible: Malachi 1 Length: 43 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Woolwich Evangelical Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Giving Our Best to the Lord Subtitle: Malachi-God's Messenger Speaker: Ashley Mendes Broadcaster: Woolwich Evangelical Church Event: Bible Study Date: 8/8/2024 Bible: Malachi 1 Length: 43 min.
Malachi: God of Worship | Day of Prayer | Major Lessons from the Minor Prophets | Sam Holm, Lead Pastor | Preached 8-04-24 10:45am Tag: Minor Prophets, Old Testament, Summer, Israel, Kingdom, Foretellers, Doodles, Sketch, Drawing, Giving, Wealth, Strength, Blessing, Success, Collective, Title, Make Disciples
Malachi: God of Worship | Day of Prayer | Major Lessons from the Minor Prophets | Sam Holm, Lead Pastor | Preached 8-04-24 10:45am Tag: Minor Prophets, Old Testament, Summer, Israel, Kingdom, Foretellers, Doodles, Sketch, Drawing, Giving, Wealth, Strength, Blessing, Success, Collective, Title, Make Disciples
This is the last session of the mini Bible Study, Spiritual Mothering. Speaker is Beth Coppedge Scripture John 1 and Malachi God has given us certain ones to care for and placed us in a specific place, How are we loving the ones he has given us?
Malachi - God's Love for Jacob, Sin of the Priests, Priests to Be Disciplined, Sin in the Family Revelation - The New Heaven and Earth, The New Jerusalem
I pray that every one of you experiences this powerful miracle of Christmas, the Good News that brings great joy—that you experience the same good news as the shepherds did on the night the angel came to visit them: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” Now you might be like me and love all that goes with Christmas, the time spent with family, the music of Christmas, the celebration of it all—but I want to tell you that this is Christmas right here, spoken about in the Bible—written about on the pages of this amazing book—this is the heart and soul of all we need for Christmas—it's the greatest story ever that brings great joy! This story that has been passed on down the years is all we need folks—it's been true for every century past and will be true for every century to come—and this story was foretold by the prophets of long ago as recorded by the prophets like Isaiah and Malachi. But after Malachi God went silent for a period of time—there was a time between the Old and New Testaments—a period of 400 years—where God was silent—400 years God didn't speak through His prophets to His people. But then, just at the right time—God's time—He spoke into that silence—and He did it in an amazing way—at an amazing time—and what was the timing? Census time—one of the craziest periods for people to be caught up in—people rushing here and there to register—and into this craziness—into this upheaval, God broke His silence. And He broke into it with the cry of a baby—not with a huge fanfare, or with the biggest display and performance that has been given on planet earth—no, God chose to break into the silence with a cry of a human baby. And with the human cry of a teenage girl giving birth to a baby boy who cries—Jesus, Son of God, deity, in human flesh—God saying I'm coming to earth, and I know that the earth I'm coming to is a broken one. I know that the people I'm coming to are crying—I know the world that I'm entering into is weary—and I want you to know that I identify with your brokenness, and your crying, and your weariness—God's first sound after 400 years is a cry—the cry of a baby—Emmanuel—God with us. Pastor Wayne Kerber
I pray that every one of you experiences this powerful miracle of Christmas, the Good News that brings great joy—that you experience the same good news as the shepherds did on the night the angel came to visit them: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” Now you might be like me and love all that goes with Christmas, the time spent with family, the music of Christmas, the celebration of it all—but I want to tell you that this is Christmas right here, spoken about in the Bible—written about on the pages of this amazing book—this is the heart and soul of all we need for Christmas—it's the greatest story ever that brings great joy! This story that has been passed on down the years is all we need folks—it's been true for every century past and will be true for every century to come—and this story was foretold by the prophets of long ago as recorded by the prophets like Isaiah and Malachi. But after Malachi God went silent for a period of time—there was a time between the Old and New Testaments—a period of 400 years—where God was silent—400 years God didn't speak through His prophets to His people. But then, just at the right time—God's time—He spoke into that silence—and He did it in an amazing way—at an amazing time—and what was the timing? Census time—one of the craziest periods for people to be caught up in—people rushing here and there to register—and into this craziness—into this upheaval, God broke His silence. And He broke into it with the cry of a baby—not with a huge fanfare, or with the biggest display and performance that has been given on planet earth—no, God chose to break into the silence with a cry of a human baby. And with the human cry of a teenage girl giving birth to a baby boy who cries—Jesus, Son of God, deity, in human flesh—God saying I'm coming to earth, and I know that the earth I'm coming to is a broken one. I know that the people I'm coming to are crying—I know the world that I'm entering into is weary—and I want you to know that I identify with your brokenness, and your crying, and your weariness—God's first sound after 400 years is a cry—the cry of a baby—Emmanuel—God with us. Pastor Wayne Kerber
Christmas Eve (7.30pm service)/Christmas Day (9.30am service) I pray that every one of you experiences this powerful miracle of Christmas, the Good News that brings great joy—that you experience the same good news as the shepherds did on the night the angel came to visit them: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” Now you might be like me and love all that goes with Christmas, the time spent with family, the music of Christmas, the celebration of it all—but I want to tell you that this is Christmas right here, spoken about in the Bible—written about on the pages of this amazing book—this is the heart and soul of all we need for Christmas—it's the greatest story ever that brings great joy! This story that has been passed on down the years is all we need folks—it's been true for every century past and will be true for every century to come—and this story was foretold by the prophets of long ago as recorded by the prophets like Isaiah and Malachi. But after Malachi God went silent for a period of time—there was a time between the Old and New Testaments—a period of 400 years—where God was silent—400 years God didn't speak through His prophets to His people. But then, just at the right time—God's time—He spoke into that silence—and He did it in an amazing way—at an amazing time—and what was the timing? Census time—one of the craziest periods for people to be caught up in—people rushing here and there to register—and into this craziness—into this upheaval, God broke His silence. And He broke into it with the cry of a baby—not with a huge fanfare, or with the biggest display and performance that has been given on planet earth—no, God chose to break into the silence with a cry of a human baby. And with the human cry of a teenage girl giving birth to a baby boy who cries—Jesus, Son of God, deity, in human flesh—God saying I'm coming to earth, and I know that the earth I'm coming to is a broken one. I know that the people I'm coming to are crying—I know the world that I'm entering into is weary—and I want you to know that I identify with your brokenness, and your crying, and your weariness—God's first sound after 400 years is a cry—the cry of a baby—Emmanuel—God with us. Pastor Wayne Kerber
The season of Advent is a time to look back to Christ's first coming as a baby born in Bethlehem, and to look forward to his second coming when he will return to renew and redeem every part of fallen creation. It is therefore a time to prepare our hearts, to reflect upon the promises of God, and to anticipate the fulfillment of those promises. It is a time for remembering and rejoicing. And so, as we continue our sermon series this week in the Minor Prophets, we'll take a closer look at what the book of Malachi has to say to us about this process of anticipation and preparation.
The Minor Prophets: God's Word in Troubled Times#12 - Malachi: God's Love and JudgmentPastor Jay ChildsWords of Affirmation (Chapter 1:1-5)Words of Warning (Chapter 1:6-4:1)Words of Hope (Chapter 4:2-6)
God speaks. The people question God's statement. And God answers. Let's find out together what God has to say in this early form of Question and Answer as we read the book of Malachi.
A new MP3 sermon from Ballymena Free Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: No.41 Malachi - God's Messenger Speaker: Rev. John Greer Broadcaster: Ballymena Free Presbyterian Church Event: Bible Study Date: 10/22/2023 Bible: Malachi 1 Length: 47 min.
As a follower of Jesus, you are part of a royal priesthood. Like the priests of the Israelites, you have been given a responsibility to go into God's presence and make spiritual offerings to him through prayer on your behalf and on the behalf of others. In the second chapter of Malachi God reminds His priests that when this responsibility is done with honor and reverence for God life and peace follow. When the priests don't do this there are negative consequences. As modern day priests we are called to take up this responsibility to encourage life and peace for everyone.
As a follower of Jesus, you are part of a royal priesthood. Like the priests of the Israelites, you have been given a responsibility to go into God's presence and make spiritual offerings to him through prayer on your behalf and on the behalf of others. In the second chapter of Malachi God reminds His priests that when this responsibility is done with honor and reverence for God life and peace follow. When the priests don't do this there are negative consequences. As modern day priests we are called to take up this responsibility to encourage life and peace for everyone.
Is your life honoring to God? This might seem like a loaded question, but it's worth asking. In the second half of the first chapter in Malachi God challenges the priests of Israel about the way they worship. The priests were more than willing to give perfect sacrifices to their human rulers, but for God they gave blind and lame animals. Today we don't sacrifice animals to God, but we He does still expect our best. To give God the honor He deserves, we should be willing surrender ourselves fully to Him as a living sacrifice.
Is your life honoring to God? This might seem like a loaded question, but it's worth asking. In the second half of the first chapter in Malachi God challenges the priests of Israel about the way they worship. The priests were more than willing to give perfect sacrifices to their human rulers, but for God they gave blind and lame animals. Today we don't sacrifice animals to God, but we He does still expect our best. To give God the honor He deserves, we should be willing surrender ourselves fully to Him as a living sacrifice.
Malachi 1:1-5 The book of Malachi is called an 'oracle' in the first verse. An oracle (some translations use the word 'burden') is a message which has an ominous, threatening tone. Malachi lived one hundred years after people returned from the Babylonian captivity. At this time there was (again) widespread spiritual corruption. The evidence of this was polluted offerings, a corrupt priesthood, rampant divorce, and withheld tithes. Tenderly, God begins His message by reminding the people of His love for them. They had gotten to the place where they concluded that God had forgotten them. God recalls to the Israelites that He had chosen Jacob, setting His special favor on him. In doing this, God had passed over Esau, Jacob's older brother. We are confronted in these verses by the notion of God's love and His hatred. God, Himself, declares that He loved Jacob and hated Esau. To understand divine love and divine hatred we must not think only in terms of the emotional aspects of love and hatred. When God loves someone, He grants His blessing and favor. When God hates someone, He brings judgment. And whereas God's favor is never deserved, His judgments on sinful people are always deserved. Let the people of God bow down in wonder and thanksgiving that God has granted them (us) His undeserved, saving love. Let those who do not hope in God shudder to think that they are in danger of experiencing God's everlasting rejection … so that they might turn to Him for His mercy.
Malachi is God's final message to Israel at the close of the Old Testament. A century after the exiles' return to the land, the post-exilic community is steeped in covenant infidelity. Israel complains to the LORD about their perceived mistreatment in a series of disputes. Meanwhile, they are utterly blind to the gravity of their covenant transgressions and the offense they have become to God. Yet the LORD declares, "My name will be feared among the nations" (1:14). Malachi, whose name means "my messenger," speaks of another messenger who will prepare the way of the LORD (3:1; 4:5). Jesus reveals that Malachi spoke about John the Baptist (e.g., Matt. 11:14), and the New Testament shows that the day of the Lord is indeed upon us. In these last times, Jesus is God's final message (e.g., Heb. 1:2), and for those who fear him, among every nation, "the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings" (4:2; Luke 1:78-79; John 8:12; Rev. 22:2).
Malachi is God's final message to Israel at the close of the Old Testament. A century after the exiles' return to the land, the post-exilic community is steeped in covenant infidelity. Israel complains to the LORD about their perceived mistreatment in a series of disputes. Meanwhile, they are utterly blind to the gravity of their covenant transgressions and the offense they have become to God. Yet the LORD declares, -My name will be feared among the nations- -1-14-. Malachi, whose name means -my messenger,- speaks of another messenger who will prepare the way of the LORD -3-1- 4-5-. Jesus reveals that Malachi spoke about John the Baptist -e.g., Matt. 11-14-, and the New Testament shows that the day of the Lord is indeed upon us. In these last times, Jesus is God's final message -e.g., Heb. 1-2-, and for those who fear him, among every nation, -the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings- -4-2- Luke 1-78-79- John 8-12- Rev. 22-2-.
Malachi is God's final message to Israel at the close of the Old Testament. A century after the exiles' return to the land, the post-exilic community is steeped in covenant infidelity. Israel complains to the LORD about their perceived mistreatment in a series of disputes. Meanwhile, they are utterly blind to the gravity of their covenant transgressions and the offense they have become to God. Yet the LORD declares, -My name will be feared among the nations- -1-14-. Malachi, whose name means -my messenger,- speaks of another messenger who will prepare the way of the LORD -3-1- 4-5-. Jesus reveals that Malachi spoke about John the Baptist -e.g., Matt. 11-14-, and the New Testament shows that the day of the Lord is indeed upon us. In these last times, Jesus is God's final message -e.g., Heb. 1-2-, and for those who fear him, among every nation, -the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings- -4-2- Luke 1-78-79- John 8-12- Rev. 22-2-.
A message given by Dennis Wright at the International Protestant Church of Zurich on Sunday, February 26 2023
God calls His people back to restore the physical kingdom and puts His power on display while using broken leaders.
A new MP3 sermon from Grace Fellowship Manchester is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Malachi: God Wants Your Heart Subtitle: The Minor Prophets Speaker: Tim Conway Broadcaster: Grace Fellowship Manchester Event: Sunday Service Date: 11/27/2022 Bible: Malachi 1-4 Length: 66 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Grace Fellowship Manchester is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Malachi: God Wants Your Heart Subtitle: The Minor Prophets Speaker: Tim Conway Broadcaster: Grace Fellowship Manchester Event: Sunday Service Date: 11/27/2022 Bible: Malachi 1-4 Length: 66 min.
Malachi: God's Faithfulness to an Unfaithful People - The Unchanging God
We find ourselves this week at the end of the New Testament. God has been silent for 400 years. The people of God have brought false gods into the temple. Men abandoned their wives, and left them destitute in a system that left no protection for them. Their whole world is broken and hopeless. But God had made His people promises to make it all right again. We pray you find hope as well through this sermon from Malachi.
Malachi: God's Faithfulness to an Unfaithful People - Malachi 1:1-5
Malachi: God's Faithfulness to an Unfaithful People - Malachi 1:1-5
Malachi 1: 1-5
Sunday 6th March 2022 | Malachi 2:17-3:5 | Pastor Isaac Milburn
AM Service - Sunday 20th February 2022 | Malachi 2:1-9 | Mark Hockey
From Genesis to Malachi God had spoken through the prophets of the Coming One, The Anointed One, The Messiah. From Gen.3:15 Satan knew that he was cruising for a bruising. He didn't know exactly when, where, how, or who this prophesy would be fulfilled. Ultimately Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and free those were had been in bondage their whole lives, through fear of death. Jesus accomplished this in His death and resurrection, but the fact is that the moment that baby was conceived (perhaps around December) as far as prophesy is concerned, it was as good as done! If you would like to watch the video of this sermon in Youtube, click this link! The post Jesus The God-Man! appeared first on Living Rock Church.
Malachi 1:1
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A summary of Malachi's message.
Exalted Christ Church International Sunday, 14 February 2021 Theme: The Spirit of Prosperity Reading: - 1 Timothy 1:18 Prologue and Word worth hearing Key points 1. Dealing with being despised and despising your own self due to circumstances and environment - Many of us have had dreams concerning their finances, either now or in the past. - Things in life became hard that you even forgot the dreams that you received before. - Unless you change, rise up and march forward, things will not change. The lepers refused to be comfortable and they advanced for their situation was unbearable and by their faith their story was changed. [2 Kings 7:3-20] 2. Dealing with the dependency mentality The lepers had been dependent on those who supplied them with food. But they decided to move form where they were and they stated to move to the camp of the enemy. Majority of us are dependent on our jobs or on other people. Do not be dependent but begin to walk to your financial Increase - When you sit down you won't receive anything but when you begin to move you will catch up with what God has already given you. - Do not be disadvantaged by the situation that you are in, God desires that you prosper. - At one time King David was in the cave of Adolam surrounded and he encouraged himself, he did not pity himself but he made a life changing decision where sitting down was not an option. [1 Samuel 22] - A good man leaves an inheritance for their grand children [Proverbs 13:22]. Have multiple streams of income as a believer, do not have the spirit of dependence, that is depending on your job for anything can happen. 3. Having the spirit of wisdom - You need wisdom that when opportunities come you are ready to take them. Do not be like the 5 unwise ladies virgins story who did not have oil when the master came. They did not have wisdom to understand that they needed oil to be chosen. 4. Being able to interpret opportunities - Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream, the 7 years of plenty came before the 7 years of drought, have the mentality and wisdom of saving up and leave an inheritance of your grandchildren. - Have the mentality to interpret the times like the sons of Issachar [1 Chronicles 12:32]. Every situation presents an opportunity for you to prosper, be able to discern the times. 5. Have the storehouse mentality The word says in Malachi God will pour out a blessing into your store house. If you do not have a storehouse, where will God pour our the blessing. The word further says I will give back to you pressed down and shaken together and rubbing over. If you do not have a store house, it's hard to have a running over 6. Be determined to be fruitful - Break the cycle of poverty in your life and your family. Be determined to be fruitful and re-write your life, and you will make it because the Lord wants you to prosper. - Be determined to move forward in life nomatter what in life, be persistent for fruitfulness - Look at Abraham and Lot, they became so rich that the pastures could not contain both their livestock. - If you are determined to be fruitful and act, the Lord will ensure your success like Jacob who worked in Laban's house who was very shrewd in cheating him of his wages. Though Laban was shrewd, through determination and wisdom of God, Angels facilitated Jacob to secure his inheritance and brought blessings to his credit. There was a wealth transfer into Jacob's accounts.[Genesis 31]. 7. Execute action. Start that business start something..... If you can plait hair do it, if you can do events do it. Do something. #MonthOfFinancialIncrease #WalkingByFaith #ECCiITDesk #2021YearOfTheSpirit
Malachi- God's assertive message --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/elias-flores/support
Malachi- God hates divorce --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/elias-flores/support
49 | Malachi : God's Closing Words | Malachi 4:1-6 | 12-06-20
A new MP3 sermon from Kalamazoo Community Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Reward for the Righteous Subtitle: Malachi: God's Last Words? Speaker: Jonathan Landry Cruse Broadcaster: Kalamazoo Community Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday - PM Date: 11/1/2020 Bible: Malachi 3:13-18 Length: 29 min.
We come to our final book in our look at these shorter books of scripture's postcards... Malachi is one of those books that causes one to examine their heart… The tone is heavy, we see just as we did last week in Nahum this is another oracle not to Nineveh but rather this time to Israel, God's chosen…
Sunday’s sermon from the Community Evangelical Free Church in Soap Lake, WA. Our text for this Sunday is Malachi 4:4-6 and in it we find a call to live in light of the future coming of Jesus. Throughout the book of Malachi God has been exposing the sin of the people and calling them to repentance. In chapter 4 we find that there will be a great Day of the Lord where judgment will be handed out to the wicked and mercy extended to the righteous. In light of this future day, which we believe is the coming of Jesus to earth, there is a way we who belong to the Lord ought to live. To rightly live in view of Christ’s coming we should remember the Word, live the Word, and regularly look the future coming of the Word made flesh. We pray this sermon will encourage and bless you in the faith. If you have any questions or comments you can contact us at pastor@communitychurchsl.com
We are moving from the introduction of the book of Malachi into the first part of the study. Malachi begins his rather upsetting conversation with the people of his day by reminding them that God has always loved them. They retort aggressively with him by asking "how has God loved us?". This begins the back and forth dialog with the people that characterize this entire book. Malachi goes directly to the Word of God to give them his answer. He doesn't mix God's Word with his feelings and emotions. This is great advice for us when we're doubting God's love for us as well. The whole theme of the Old and New testaments is God's love. There's so much to discuss, so I hope I can do justice in helping us understand how God loves and how we should love God back...
We are moving from the introduction of the book of Malachi into the first part of the study. Malachi begins his rather upsetting conversation with the people of his day by reminding them that God has always loved them. They retort aggressively with him by asking "how has God loved us?". This begins the back and forth dialog with the people that characterize this entire book. Malachi goes directly to the Word of God to give them his answer. He doesn't mix God's Word with his feelings and emotions. This is great advice for us when we're doubting God's love for us as well. The whole theme of the Old and New testaments is God's love. There's so much to discuss, so I hope I can do justice in helping us understand how God loves and how we should love God back...
We are moving from the introduction of the book of Malachi into the first part of the study. Malachi begins his rather upsetting conversation with the people of his day by reminding them that God has always loved them. They retort aggressively with him by asking "how has God loved us?". This begins the back and forth dialog with the people that characterize this entire book. Malachi goes directly to the Word of God to give them his answer. He doesn't mix God's Word with his feelings and emotions. This is great advice for us when we're doubting God's love for us as well. The whole theme of the Old and New testaments is God's love. There's so much to discuss, so I hope I can do justice in helping us understand how God loves and how we should love God back...
We are moving from the introduction of the book of Malachi into the first part of the study. Malachi begins his rather upsetting conversation with the people of his day by reminding them that God has always loved them. They retort aggressively with him by asking "how has God loved us?". This begins the back and forth dialog with the people that characterize this entire book. Malachi goes directly to the Word of God to give them his answer. He doesn't mix God's Word with his feelings and emotions. This is great advice for us when we're doubting God's love for us as well. The whole theme of the Old and New testaments is God's love. There's so much to discuss, so I hope I can do justice in helping us understand how God loves and how we should love God back...
Sunday’s sermon from the Community Evangelical Free Church in Soap Lake, WA. Our text for this Sunday is Malachi 4:1-3 and in it we find God’s final warning to the people of Malachi’s day. Through the prophet Malachi God has declared His love for His people and corrected them in the midst of their wanderings and rebellion. As we dive into this final chapter we find God’s final warning - the Day of the Lord is coming. On this day there will be horrible judgement upon the wicked, but wonderful mercy for the righteous. For some it is a day of great terror, for others it will be a day of great rejoicing. As we ponder this great day, the hope is that we are in the camp of the righteous. The only way for anyone to be in this camp is to believe on the person and work of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin and new life. In Jesus we can have hope when God brings this great day. We pray this sermon will encourage and challenge you in the faith. If you have any questions or comments you can contact us at pastor@communitychurchsl.com
Sunday's sermon from the Community Evangelical Free Church in Soap Lake, WA. Our text for this Sunday is Malachi 2:1-9. At this point in Malachi God is making a clear case against the priests who have treated Him with dishonor and as insignificant. This heart condition in the priests is reflected in their actions, as they are guilty of leading the people astray. So in our text God is calling on the priests, along with the people, to take His Word to heart. To listen up and act in accordance with what He declares. Whether it be from a parent or a friend, we have all had experiences of not taking sound words to heart when we should. But what we have in Malachi today is more than just sound advice, instead it is the very words of the living God being spoken to His people. Just as the people of Malachi’s day were told to “listen up”, we too are being told to listen and obey. To hear the words of the living God and take what He says seriously. Of course we know that we will never do this perfectly, so when we find ourselves failing we have, not a human and imperfect high priest, but we have Jesus the Great High Priest to whom we can look to for help, strength, grace, and forgiveness. May we fix our eyes upon Him as we pursue godly living. If you have any questions or comments you can contact us at pastor@communitychurchsl.com
The brothers return to Egypt. John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus. Some passages referenced: Isaiah 40 (the voice in the wilderness); 2 Kings 1:8 (dressing like Elijah); Luke 1:14ff., Matthew 17:10ff. (John the Baptist the promised Elijah to come); Malachi 4 (the promise of Elijah's coming); Isaiah 51:1-2 (stones from Abraham); Malachi (God coming to purge his Temple); 2 Samuel 24 (the Temple on the threshing floor); Isaiah 42:1, Psalm 2:7 (the declaration of the voice from heaven) If you are interested in supporting this project, please consider supporting my work on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/zugzwanged), using my PayPal account (https://bit.ly/2RLaUcB), or buying books for my research on Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/36WVSWCK4X33O?ref_=wl_share). You can also listen to the audio of these episodes on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/alastairs-adversaria/id1416351035?mt=2.
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Josh Butler, Malachi 2:10-16
Josh Butler, Malachi 2:10-16
Rev Rob Sylvester continues the series on the Minor Prophets speaking about Malachi – God’s Messenger. Bible Reading in English and Nepalese from Malachi 3:1-16
God is just. The 6th dispute of Malachi God challenges the people with their false accusations against His character. When your matrix is filled with worldly “wisdom”, every value you have and decision you make will be for your benefit, your comfort or your glory. Faith in your feelings produces insanity, while faith in the facts produces security. Will your faith be in who God really is?
Listen as Pastor Joe talks about God being a God of justice and love.
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We see in the book of Malachi God pleading with his people for more…to return to Him after testing His patience for so long. He stands as the gracious and merciful God, longing for His people, and yet He will not relent on His holiness and desire for purity for His people. In our text today, we see a clear picture of the Gospel with the promise of a coming forerunner to Jesus, and then ultimately Jesus Himself, and an explanation of what will happen when He comes. We also see a clear picture of the process of sanctification as our loving God purifies us with the Refiner's Fire.
by: Chris Royalty, from: Malachi 4:1-6
God knows and a day is coming when He will judge the world. Connecting to Jesus: Jesus is the Judge and Saviour and His return will bring the day when the righteous and the wicked will be separated.
Answering God’s questions with even more questions is no way to get answers for your life! Join Pastor Garry Clark as we look at, "Malachi: God’s Messenger!"