Gathering Growing Going
Loading Content...
The link has been copied to your clipboard; paste it anywhere you would like to share it.
CloseIn three simple verses, Malachi rounds out his prophecy in simple summary. God’s word is clear! God’s mob are to remember who they are: they are a covenantal people, with an identity found in the God who graciously loves them relentlessly. God’s mob are to be reminded: a day is coming when the sin in, and of, God’s mob will be judged. God will prepare them for that day, sending a prophet to them, a prophet like Elijah. As they listen to this word from God, God’s mob will be restored in repentance: they will be brought back to the covenant, or they will be completely devoted to destruction. This really did take place – why else would Jesus be affirmed in His identity by the presence of Moses and Elijah? (Matt.17) Therefore, this really applies to us: as God’s mob, we must remember our identity, we must be reminded of the great day of sin judged (at Golgotha and in the future), and we must be a repentant restored people, obeying our God.
Scripture References: Malachi 4:4-6, Psalms 27:1-14, Matthew 17:1-13
From Series: Service - Sunday Morning, Malachi | More Messages from Bernard Gabbott | Download Audio
Haggai - An IntroductionBernard Gabbott - Sunday, 9 October 2022Haggai 1:1 |
||
The book of Esther recounts a period where God's people are in exile, aliens in a foreign land. Sounds like our time doesn't it? Even when God seems absent, He is at work. The great reversal of power at the heart of the universe has already taken place. Jesus won victory over death on the cross and in His resurrection. Satan the great enemy of God and His people, has been defeated. We wait in the now but not yet. Waiting for the Lord Jesus to return and give His people relief and rest. But as we wait, we share the good news of the gospel, call people to faith in Jesus, faithfully endure persecution, knowing that our deliverance is assured.
We love a turning point. Whether it is a story or a football game. Hope dawning at the darkest time. Where is the great turning point in Esther? It could be our memory verse, when Esther is persuaded by Mordecai to act to save her people. It could be when the king looks with favour upon Esther and holds out the golden scepter to her. It could be when Haman is forced to lead Mordecai through the city mounted on the king’s horse and proclaims that he is the man the king delights to honour. They are major events in the story of Esther. They are turning points of a sort. But the writer of Esther points us to another event. That looks so trivial.
Esther is such an exciting story! There are evil plots. There are interesting yet flawed characters. There is risk and sacrifice. There is heroism and villainy. Today, we are introduced to the villain of the plot, and what an evil scheming villain he is! He spins lies and concocts murderous plans to do away with the Jews, God’s covenant people. How will the people respond? Will he get away with his evil plan? Will God, who is not mentioned at all, intervene to protect His people, to live up to the promises He made to Abraham, the people at Mt Sinai, and to David?
13 Dewhurst St, Narrabri NSW 2390
Ph: (02) 6792 2151
Email: Click Here
8:30am & 10:30am each Sunday
9:30am each Sunday in January
Copyright © 2024 · Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in