This is an introduction to the book of Malachi. This last prophet from the Old Testament brings a “weighty” challenge to God’s people then and now as God closes his word for 400 years. It will be 400 years until John the Baptist “prepares the way of the Lord.”

God’s people are now back from exile. The temple is rebuilt but is not as impressive as Solomon’s temple. The people are facing discouragement because their leaders are. So Malachi wants to make sure they are listening.

Abraham Lincoln came to realize reflecting on the scriptures that maybe the will of God was for the war to continue as retribution. Did he get that thought from Malachi?

I have been your Father for 1000 years. You, are my child Jacob. You are losing your love for me and it is the priests who are leading the way. Discouragement can easily creep into your community, your life.

In the first of six illustrations Jesus uses murder to show us that God looks beyond the human facade and into the heart of man. He sees the intent equal to the act. There, in the heart, is where He judges. (I John 3:15) Additionally, Jesus reminds us that we must deal with our evil […]

Sacrifice means that it costs. Winston Churchhill told the British people that a World War II victory would take sacrifice. The Old Testament sacrificial system was designed to cost a lot because a sheep without blemish is an appropriate sacrifice to the King of Kings. For us it may mean sacrificing anger, it may mean […]

The sacrifices being offered to the Lord have become so outrageous that the Lord says, why don’t you just shut the doors on the temple. My name will be great among the nations in spite of you. From the rising to the setting of the sun His name will be great among the nations.

Lee Trevino loved the game of golf. He never lost it. In ancient Israel, the priests who represent the people to God, had lost their “love of the game.” What is the game? To honor the name of God.

We are quick to extend law when it favors us and slow to extend grace when it takes sacrifice on our part.  James Halter speaks from Matthew 5:17-20.

After Jesus finishes giving us the Beatitudes, which describe the most fortunate people in the world, we His people, He now challenges us to be salt and light. We are here to make a difference … to preserve God’s primary institutions. Marriage and Family. To be “salty” in the market place with integrity. In our […]