Every human being that is on this planet is on a path that will lead them before the judgment of Jesus. Scripture talks about this great day of the Lord, a day of judgment where we will all stand before Jesus and give an account for our lives. In this sermon from Malachi 4:1-6, Pastor Nate points out the necessity of standing in Christ on that day. No human being besides Jesus can stand before the judgment of God on their own. As Christians this compels us to pray and share the good news of Jesus with those around us, in hope that their eyes would be open to the fact that they are going to stand before Jesus in their own power on the day of the Lord otherwise.
Malachi: Blessed People
In the book of Malachi there were a group of people who took the words of the Lord very seriously, they did not talk back to the Lord but searched their own hearts. In this sermon, Pastor Scott talks about the kind of people that listen and obey the Lord. These are people marked by a healthy, reverent fear of the Lord. They not only desire to do good, but they hate their own sin. These people know that God notices, remembers and will reward them with treasures in heaven. We are reminded of the reality that God knows the hearts of all people and will return and separate those that loved him and those who hated him.
Malachi: True Worship
God is looking for people who love him with their hearts, who worship not out of obligation but out of gratitude and reverence. The people of Malachi’s day became bitter and angry at God, saying words that hurt the heart of God. In this sermon Pastor Scott reminds us that the sacrifice that really touches God is a broken and contrite heart, humble and grateful. The good news is that even when our hearts grow cold, God delights in pouring out his supernatural love into our hearts. God wants us to be honest with him and come to him even if we feel cold and distant, He has the power to transform us from the inside out.
Malachi: Coming Home
In this message Pastor Scott talks about coming home to God, drawing near to Him. God’s desire is for people to know Him and be close to him. The people in Malachi had the same problem of straying from the Lord that we have today. God’s call to them and us is clear, “Return to Me, and I will return to You.” This invitation to return finds itself in practical obedience, like being faithful with money. But it is so much more than money, it is about being obedient in everything. And when we return, God promises that we will find more of his presence, his anointing for our lives.
Malachi: Jesus the Refiner
In this week’s sermon Pastor Nate talks about oddly-timed earthquakes, Mary Todd Lincoln’s silver tea set, and Olympic figure skating. All to communicate from Malachi 2:17-3:5 how God is working as a refining fire in Christians to transform each one into the image of Jesus. The Scriptures show that Jesus came into this world and revealed the truth, his words and actions cut people to the core. Today, the Holy Spirit continues this work in hearts bringing conviction to us when we sin. Christians are able to stand when God shows us the truth because he gives us grace and reminds us that he loves us and accepts us.
Malachi: Great Marriage
In this second part of a two part mini series on marriage based out of Malachi 2:10-16, Pastor Scott gives ten practical instructions to help us to have healthy and God-glorifying marriages. How we treat our spouse or others close to us is often a reflection of our spiritual state, those closest to us see who we truly are. Christianity is meant to be played out in our daily lives, it is not just an abstract idea that does not affect how we live.
Malachi: Marriage & Divorce
In the book of Malachi, God corrects the men because of their treatment and rejection of their wives, they were willfully breaking their marriage covenant. Many times the reason for a divorce is complicated and we should be full of love for all that have gone through divorce. But in marriage we should also guard our hearts and be ready to battle against temptations and things that come seeking to break apart the marriage covenant. In this first part of a two part mini series on marriage, Pastor Scott encourages us to stand firm and be ready to battle.
Malachi: Bad Pastors
In the Bible, Jesus talks about “wolves in sheep’s clothing”. Unfortunately, there are pastors who act like wolves and not like shepherds. God’s intention was for good pastors to act like shepherds and faithfully deliver what God had given them. In this message Pastor Scott looks at Malachi 2:1-9, in this passage God reveals the evil motives and destructive nature of the priests of Malachi’s day. In our own day we need discernment in understanding what leaders we should follow and which we should not.
Malachi: The Great King
Things change when we remember that God is a great King, not just limited to one time, place, language or people. The good news of Jesus is meant to spread all over the globe, not just in this generation but in every generation. Pastor Nate preaches this message reminding us of the men & women that have played their part in God’s kingdom. These women & men have laid the foundation for us, and through the power of the Holy Spirit we get to join in with what God is doing and play our part here in our generation.
Malachi: Lovesick Father
What does it mean to worship God? In this sermon Pastor Scott looks at the call to worship God and the mistakes that people made in Malachi’s day and the mistakes we make today. Worship is not simply a ritual or obligation, it is reciprocation of love back to God for the love he showed us. In this passage God shows the heart of a Lovesick Father for his children.