Church notes - July 2021
4th
Malachi 2:17 - 3:12
If we aren't faithful... A day of judgement is coming.
vs 2:17
God is tired of hearing people's lame excuses. He is righteous and Holy, totally separate from sin.
2 Peter 3:3, 4
Cynical skeptics in the last days. Also in Malachi's day.
But there is a Covenant. The Jews were not fulfilling their part of it.
Malachi 3:1
John the Baptist.
Luke 1:76
Isaiah 40
Jesus is the second messenger.
Mark 1:15
Repentance is necessary. It is the first step in restoration. He calls us to account for our actions.
Matthew 3:12
Malachi 3:2
No one can stand. God's judgement is relentless and painful.
vs 7
We need to make the effort to change.
We need to give Him our attention.
Tithing
Everything belongs to God.
Psalm 24:1
We are stewards, caretakers of what belongs to God.
Tithing is a form of proportional giving.
You can't outgive God.
God loves a cheerful giver.
COVID gives us an opportunity to reprioritise our lives and realign our lives and priorities with Him.
11th
Psalm 148
Malachi 3:13 - 4:6
Not quite the end of COVID.
We may face difficulties, but God can use the circumstances for His purposes.
Complainers
3:13 - 15
They were complaining that they weren't getting anything out of God. (But they weren't putting anything in.)
Complaining affects one's attitude. It can lead one away from God.
The Faithful Believers
3:16, 17
They will be spared from judgement.
(See, the Book of Life in Rev. 13 & 21)
We are His prized possessions. Therefore, because of what Jesus has done, we have Eternal Life. Hardships will come as we live in this Fallen world, but we have hope.
The day of judgement is coming. Everyone who follows God will be with Him.
The Evildoers
4:1
Psalm 21:9
All have sinned. Those who put their faith in Jesus will be spared. But those who refuse will be punished.
A day of healing.
Matthew 25:31 - 46
Goats excluded.
Sheep welcomed.
4:2
A picture of freedom.
Because of the need for justice, judgement is necessary.
COVID gives us an opportunity to reprioritise our lives and realign our priorities with God.
Malachi warns us about the consequences of not giving God His proper place in our lives.
Malachi reminds all of us about a Day of Judgement for the wicked and vidication for the righteous.
18th July
Psalm 27
Matthew 6:9 - 15
The LORD's Prayer
It is a relational prayer.
A relationship with God fills the emptiness within us.
The God who created the universe is our Father.
A Caring Father
Psalm 103
A close Father
Psalm 145
Matthew 7:11
Psalm 74:18
Never too busy
Loves to meet my needs.
Sympathetic to my hurts.
vs 10
Do you bow to God's authority?
Do you recognise God's authority in your life?
We need to surrender to Him. This includes our attitudes.
Letting go of control.
Allowing Him to rule.
Know who God is completely.
Philippians 4:10 - 13
Learning to be content.
Lay down your plans.
1 John 3:!6
Leaving the Future to God.
Proverbs 3:35
What area of my life needs to be surrendered to God?
vs 11
Prayer for forgiveness
vs 12
Forgive others or God will not forgive you.
True forgiveness doesn't hold a person's sin against them.
Unforgiveness blocks God's blessings upon you.
vs 13
Help when tempted.
A prayer that seeks to connect us with our Heavenly Father.
25th
Acts 16:25 - 34
Acts 6:1 - 7
Prayer - South Africa (COVID has exacerbated preexisting political issues!)
Matthew 28:18 - 20
Mark 12:29 - 31
Purposes of Church
Worship of God
Discipleship
Fellowship, supporting each other.
Evangelism
Ministry - Practically helping.
If we did these five things well we would be healthy Christians and we would form a healthy church.
Titus 1:5 - 9
Acts 6:1 - 7
The twelve affirmed that welfare was important, but not more important than spiritual ministry.
Episkepos - Overseer or bishop.
Presbuteros - Elder (older age, greater in wisdom and maturity)
1 Peter 5:1 - 3
Poimen - Shepherd or pastor
Diakemos - Servant
Responsibilties
Shepherd of the flock
1 Peter 5:2
Teach and Exhort
1 Timothy 3:2
Manage God's Church
Be an example to the church.
A life that demonstrates Christ.
Standing up for truth - Refuting those who oppose it.
Titus 1:9
Those who understand the Gospel to teach it.
Care for those in need.
James 1:27
Protect the flock of God.
Acts 20:29
Protecting from wolves amongst the flock, who would teach false doctrines.
Leadership in the New Testament developed in response to situations that arose.
Spiritual Care.
We need to be willing and available to step up to leadership position if God calls us.