Today we begin a new series in the book of Malachi. God's people have returned from exile to Judah. Their expectation is for prosperity, peace and God's glorious presence. Instead, they are disillusioned to find that all they had hoped for is unrealized. Soon their spiritual zeal is diminished and their worship becomes empty, even hypocritical. The Israelites question God's love for them and accuse him of abandoning his chosen people. They allow their circumstances to become an indicator of God's love. Malachi reminds us that God's love is eternal, cannot be measured by human standards or circumstances, and is never to be underestimated! God is calling his loved ones to restoration and repentance. He promises, 'Return to me, and I will return to you'.
Severe consequences resulted when God's people wandered away in disobedience. In today's text we see that compromise ultimately led to disaster for the Israelites...
John Newton's well known hymn, "Amazing Grace" uses words taken directly from today's text. "I was blind but now I see" exclaims the man...
Imitating Christ is one of several themes found in Philippians. Society often will lift up and celebrate individuals, praising them as the 'Greatest of...