Sermon Snippets with Max Taylor

104. Final Words | Studies in Malachi Part 20: The Final Word: Curse

Malachi 4:5-6
 
In John the Baptist, we learn the encouraging lesson of how to deal with our struggles and doubts. And he may not be the entire fulfillment of this prophecy, the tribulation will tell whether Elijah will be one of the two witnesses in the final days. The alternative to heeding the message of repentance and the hope of the gospel is the curse, which is the last word of the Old Testament. May we heed the law spoken by God’s servant Moses and turn to Christ instead!

103. Final Words | Studies in Malachi Part 19: The Doubts of John the Baptist

Malachi 4:5-6
 
John the Baptist came up back in Episode #97, or Part 13 of this study, where we mentioned his birth, life and ministry, and message of judgment. Today we see him mentioned again (as a type of Elijah) at the end of Malachi. This brings us to Matthew 11:1-15, where we see his doubts of Christ. Jesus lovingly responds by telling the people about John the Baptist and how he fulfilled the prophecy of the coming of Elijah. To those who might be struggling with doubts, this passage teaches us to deal with doubts by (1) looking to Christ - whether it be in the still small voice as with Elijah or in seeing the miracles and teachings of Jesus as with John, (2) not being offended at Christ- Paul said I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, we are called to endure hardness, and (3) quietly serving God where He has you, even if that is in waiting.

102. Final Words | Studies in Malachi Part 18: Dawn of a New Day

Malachi 4:1-3
 
The day is coming when we will be tried by fire to see what will really last. And at that time, all that we will have done in this life will be over. The opportunities past. Time will be up. There will be only two outcomes—being consumed away by God’s holiness, or being cherished as a tender calf. The wicked have their day coming, but those who follow God will be refreshed with the healing presence of the Son of Righteousness.

101. Final Words | Studies in Malachi Part 17: Crown Jewels of Jesus

Malachi 3:16-18
 
We didn’t quite get to these final verses last time, but that’s okay because I would love to spend the whole episode today looking at them! This is an interesting passage that mentions such things as God’s book on the righteous and important matters related to end times doctrine, but the greatest reward is being with God. Be mindful of Christ’s imminent return throughout this week. We are trophies!

100. Final Words | Studies in Malachi Part 16: Accusations, Apathy, and Awards

Malachi 3:13-16
 
We look at our last accusation today, statement #8 in which the children admire the works of the wicked. It might seem like a long way away from where we are, but this progression starts small. Don’t get to the point where you are apathetic in your walk with God, it leads to departure from Him altogether. Thankfully, we don’t have to be part of that crowd, we can be the faithful who are described at the end of chapter three, who receive rewards for staying true to God.

099. Final Words | Studies in Malachi Part 15: God’s Promises to Us and Israel

Malachi 3:10-12
 
We are challenged here to give God the little bit that we have (rather than trying to keep it for ourselves) and then see how He will bless us. There is nothing more fulfilling than living for the Lord and trusting His promises. This does not mean life will be easy, but we can depend upon God’s promises to meet our needs, just as Israel can trust God’s promises to make them a blessing and cause the land to be fruitful.

098. Final Words | Studies in Malachi Part 14: Back-to-Back Questions

Malachi 3:7-10
 
We’re covering questions six and seven in our episode today. And we are learning that when we are not close to God, we are often confused, accusatory of God, and stubborn in our ways. Rather than resorting to these reactions, we should return to the Lord, and we will find that in humble and simple obedience to Him, He will richly bless us with spiritual sustaining grace.

097. Final Words | Studies in Malachi Part 13: Preparing People for the Lord

Malachi 3:1, 4-6
 
This is the first of two times we will look at John the Baptist in our study through the book of Malachi. John is really a near type of messenger of God and Christ is the ultimate messenger sent from the Father. When Jesus began His earthly ministry, John was subordinate to Him in every way, shifting the focus and the attention onto Him. That is exactly how we should be.