All Nations Presbyterian Church: Morning Sermon Series

Malachi 3:13-4:6 - The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord

On Sunday morning we looked at the last section of the prophect Malachi together. Malachi told the people that they were sometimes seeing God like customers rather than like children. They were asking 'what's in it for me?' rather than seeking to honour God and understanding their special position. This had all kinds of implications, but it mattered not only for this life, but for eternity. In the end, all people will be divided by whether they have faith in Jesus or whether they do not. There is a Day coming when this will happen. There are only two outcomes in eternity: joy in being with God forever in his family, or horror from being under God's anger. We were reminded that there is time to turn, and that evangelism is urgent. God is faithful, and we look forward to a Day when all is put right. Pray this week for friends and family members who don't know Jesus.

Malachi 2:17-3:12 - The God of Generosity and Judgement

On Sunday morning, we looked at the start of Malachi 3 together. The people of God had been doubting God's justice. They saw so many problems in the world around them yet God did not seem to be doing much about them. Malachi promised that God would do something about this; in fact, God himself was going to come to his temple! There would be a messenger (who we know now was John the Baptist) and then God would come (who we know is Jesus). God's coming would be for refining and judgement; sin would be dealt with not only for people out there, but for everyone. One example Malachi gave was the people's lack of generosity. This passage reminded us that God cares about sin and does act in justice, especially in Jesus. We all are sinners, not only the people out there in the world. We should see God with thanks, never pride, for we are only God's people by grace. Take some time to reflect on the fact that you are saved by grace alone; pray or sing about this, because we need to be reminded.

Malachi 2:1-16 - The Disaster of Being Unfaithful

Through the prophet Malachi, God warned his people about faithlessness. While the priests were still teaching and doing religious things, they had become corrupt and not good examples. Their heart was not in it. This was terrible as God expected faithfulness in teaching and in example. The same attitude extended to the marriages in the people of God. Too many were marrying unbelievers or divorcing their wives; both of these actions went against God's ideal of faithfulness. God calls his people to a high standard, not just in what we do but what we want and how we think. Yet we also know that Jesus is the ultimate faithful one where we could not be, the perfect example and husband. We should trust in Jesus and also strive to live faithful lives. Is there anything you need to talk to God about? If you realise your own faithlessness in some area of life, come to One who is faithful, who welcomes all sinners who come to him.

Malachi 1:6-14 - Giving God Less than the Best

On Sunday morning, we looked at the second part of Malachi 1. The people of God were bringing sacrifices to God as they were supposed to, but they were bringing animals that were diseased or blind, animals they didn't want. God was angry with them for this. God doesn't only want religion, He calls for people to want to love Him and worship Him. This has all kinds of implications for us. We know that we should put God first and love God with all our hearts, but is that reflected in our actions? Do we put God first in our attitude to the Bible, in how we pray, and even in whether we place a top priority on being at church? Jesus is the perfect sacrifice we could never be, that's true. But our response to Jesus will show what we think of God. Think about one thing you can work on this week, one small action you can take to show God is the highest priority in your life.

Malachi 1:1-5 - God's Covenant Love

On Sunday morning, we started a new sermon series in the prophet Malachi. Malachi wrote to the people of Judah who had returned from exile in Babylon. After being back in the land for some decades, life was difficult and they were doubting God loved them. In response, Malachi assured them that God did love them. They could know of God's love because of the many blessings they had, not because of the things they did not have. In contrast, God hated Edom, the descendants of Esau, and their nation no longer existed. What does this mean for us? It means we should not base our decision on whether God loves us on how we feel today or whether He has given us what we want right now. God's love is deeper and more secure than that; we see it especially in Jesus. Take time to reflect on all the blessings you already have because of the love of God.