MALACHI

An Advent Sermon Series

Malachi

Through Malachi, the Lord reproves and pursues his people - calling them to remember his covenant, seek him genuinely, and prepare for his coming. Malachi unfolds through six “disputations” (arguments) that form the book's structure:

  • Disputation #1: God’s Love for Israel (1:1-5)

  • Disputation #2: God’s Honor in Pure Worship (1:6-2:9)

  • Disputation #3: Betrayal in Marriage (2:10-16)

  • Disputation #4: The God of Justice and the Coming Messenger (2:17-3:5)

  • Disputation #5: Robbing God in the Tithe (3:6-12)

  • Disputation #6: The Great Day of the Lord (3:13-4:3)

  • Conclusion: Remembering Moses; Waiting for Elijah (4:4-6)

Like the Israelites of Malachi’s day, we can be prone to cynicism and despair regarding our faith.

The promises of God can seem distant to us. God himself can appear aloof. There can be a sense of dissonance between our victory through Christ and the present reality of our lives. These things can lead us to sense that we are unloved by God (Mal 1:2-4). Worship can become routine, our hearts lax and cool as we approach God (1:6-14). Giving is neglected, as we forget or doubt God’s promise to bless us generously (3:6-12). Spiritual leaders can disappoint us or harm those under their charge (2:1-9). Unfaithfulness to marriage vows abounds as struggling Christians wrestle with obeying God amidst difficult circumstances (2:10-16). We can be jealous of those who defy God because of the ease of their lives (2:17-3:5; 3:13-4:3).

And it is here—in the land of deep darkness—that the Light of Life arrives. Here, God pursues His people, bringing them out of darkness and into His marvelous light.

Advent Services

November 24

Worship Gathering 9:15 & 11:00 AM

December 1

Family Worship Weekend 9:15 & 11:00 AM

(Life Kids available birth - Pre-Kindergarten)

Women’s Life Advent Tea 5:00 - 7:00 PM

December 8

Worship Gathering 9:15 & 11:00 AM

Traditional Carol Sing 5:30 PM

Covenant Members Meeting 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

December 15

Worship Gathering 9:15 & 11:00 AM

December 22

Family Worship Weekend 9:15 & 11:00 AM

(Life Kids available birth - Pre-Kindergarten)

December 23

Christmas Eve Eve Service 6:30 PM

(No childcare)

December 29

Family Worship Weekend 9:15 & 11:00 AM

(Life Kids available birth - Pre-Kindergarten)

January 5

Worship Gathering 9:15 & 11:00 AM