Quarter 3, 2013: Revival and Reformation by: Mark Finley Introduction In every generation, God’s Spirit strives to bring revival to the hearts of His people. Revival is an ongoing, daily experience. Each of us should identify with an old hymn that says: “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I … Continue reading –>
Should you pay tithe? I don’t think so. I think paying tithe is a heathen practice. (Please stay with me to the end.) Here’s why: Paying tithe presupposes that I have goods or money that I wish to exchange for goods or services. Paying something (offering) to a deity in exchange for grace or favor … Continue reading –>
“God blesses the work of men’s hands, that they may return to Him His portion. He gives them the sunshine and the rain; He causes vegetation to flourish; He gives health and ability to acquire means. Every blessing comes from His bountiful hand, and He desires men and women to show their gratitude by returning … Continue reading –>
Usha returned home after a long day selling garlic on the streets of Mumbai, India, where she lives. She placed her basket on the dirt floor inside the family’s one-room home. The box where she kept the family’s few clothes was open, its contents strewn about. She knew that her husband had searched it for … Continue reading –>
“‘My name will be great among the nations from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among the nations,’ says the Lord Almighty.’”Malachi 1:11 NIV. [Thought questions for Lest We Forget June 26, 2013] 1. … Continue reading –>
On a previous occasion the people asked, “‘Where is the God of justice?’” (Mal. 2:17, NKJV). In the beginning of chapter 4, a solemn assurance is given that one day God will execute His judgment on the world. As a result, the proud will be destroyed along with the wicked, just as stubble is consumed in … Continue reading –>
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 When the story of the birth of Jesus is told, the innkeeper often gets a bum wrap. How could you not have room for … Continue reading –>
In Malachi 3:13-18, the people complain that the Lord did not care about the nation’s sins. Those who practiced evil and injustice appeared to escape unnoticed, and thus many wondered why they should serve the Lord and live righteously when evil seemed to go unpunished. Read Malachi 3:14-15. Why is it easy to understand that complaint? How … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Malachi’s message is that though God has revealed His love for them: they were not being accountable to Him in obedience and love, but were going through a formal, ritualistic worship. [Teaching plan for Lest We Forget June 24, 2013] 1. Have a volunteer read Malachi 2:6-9. A. Ask class members to share … Continue reading –>
Read Malachi 3:1-10. What is God saying to His people here? What specific elements are found in these texts, and why would they all be tied together? That is, in what ways are these things all related to each other? With these verses, God restates the basic message of the Minor Prophets: His love remains constant … Continue reading –>
God’s voice, which dominates Malachi’s book, is the voice of a loving father who pleads with His children. When the people raise questions and make complaints, He is ready to dialogue with them. Most of the issues discussed by God and His people have to do with a few basic attitudes. Read Malachi 2. Though a … Continue reading –>
Read Malachi 1.What problem is the prophet addressing? How, today, might we be guilty of the same attitude that led to this rebuke? Malachi contrasts God’s love for His people with the attitude of the priests, whom he charges with the sin of contempt for God’s holy name. When performing their duties in the temple, these … Continue reading –>
