The Open Word (Audio)

When the Israelites arrive in the Promised Land, they encounter giants and walls. Even though it was the PROMISED land, there was still a battle to be fought. We also face various barriers when we make our decision to follow Jesus... In today’s message, Pastor David will be teaching that it’s not about OUR ability to fight these giants, but it’s the GREATNESS of our God that helps us conquer our battles! As the Israelites, we are also small and powerless, but we have a MIGHTY God whose power is manifested in our weakness!

Do you ever feel like serving the Lord doesn’t bring about any results? You might think I’ve been going to church and living my life for Jesus but it seems like all the unbelievers around me are more blest than I am. Well, if you’ve ever thought something like that you are not alone. There are many men who have thought that throughout the Bible but they don’t stay there. You have to remember that these earthly blessings are only temporary. We receive the best blessing of all, we get eternity with our Creator.

Jesus told us that where we lay up our treasures is where our heart will be also. A lot can be said about how we spend our money. It’s pretty easy to see what we value if we start to follow where our money goes. Is all your money spent on entertainment, or is it spent on trinkets, or do you just horde your money like a miser? If we love the Lord and our treasure is in Him then we will become a cheerful giver. It won’t be of a grudging effort, but we will love to bless others.

The goodness and the character of God are beyond words. Time and time again, God calls out to us that we would come to Him. And instead of returning to God so often we run from Him in fear that He might smite us. So often we completely misunderstand Him. God’s love is so great that instead of smiting us like we deserve, He poured His wrath out on His son and still we misunderstand Him, but He continues to call out to us return to me and I will return to you.

Did you know that God has a plan not only for you, but for your family? God is the One who created the family and He tells us what it should look like in His word. Our culture today continues to downplay the importance of healthy marriages and a strong family. Who cares about divorce and single parent homes? God does! As we continue our study in Malachi, we learn the importance that God places on a commitment to the marriage covenant and raising godly offspring.

What do you think repentance looks like? When you think of repentance, do you think of crying, sadness and remorse? Is it purely emotional or does there have to be more? The Bible tells us that if what we call repentance is just a show of emotion it isn’t repentance at all. God tells us through the prophet Joel that He wants our hearts torn, not just our clothes. God doesn’t just want some outward performance. This is the same call He’s giving Israel in our study in Malachi, a call to “True Repentance”.

What is the motivation of your heart when you come to church? Is it just because you’ve always done it? If that’s your motivation, if you’re coming to church just because it’s something you do that’s part of your routine, then that is empty worship. There is no substance to your relationship with God, you are just going through the motions. You may not be living some seemingly outrageous life of sin but if your heart isn’t in your worship, it is worthless.

What kind of impact are you having in your family, in your circle of friends, in your workplace, in your community? Is there any? As Christians we are called to be salt and light in this world. That means we are supposed to make a difference, an effect, but you cannot make a difference if you’re living just like everyone else. Do people look to you and see a difference in your life because of Christ? Or have you simply faded into the background and look like just another person in the world?

Has anyone come against you because of your faith? Made fun of you, maybe even screamed at you? If that’s something that’s bothered you in the past, there are a few things you ought to remember. First, we are in good company. Jesus himself was persecuted and countless saints followed His example. Also when anyone comes against God’s children He treats it as if they are coming against Him. You don’t need to say a word in defense because God is your defense against injustice.

Do you remember the last thing that the Lord spoke to you? Maybe God showed you a certain verse that really ministered to you. Maybe it was during a worship song. But if the last thing that God spoke to you was a strong rebuke and then you didn’t hear from Him for a period of time, it might make you concerned right? That’s exactly what we see in that last book of the Old Testament, Malachi. Malachi comes to the Jewish people with a burden from the Lord, and then there isn’t another word from Him for 400 years.