Find what has been lost
Malachi 3:6~12 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty. (10~12) Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #205 Tell Me the Old, Old Story (#236 in previous version) Despite the fact that the Israelites knew the covenant of God, they experienced many hardships such as being taken as captives to mighty nations. However, whenever the Gospel was restored, God saved and guided the Israelites. This is an age that does not know Jesus Christ and also an age that has lost the covenant. At a time like this, what must we find and restore?
1. Correct worship
Although the Israelites faced hardship in every age in the Bible, they received the strength to transcend the problems and restored their spiritual state through restoration of the Word and worship. When man left God''s embrace, God promised that the offspring of the woman would crush the head of Satan and that God would guard and guide them when they gave the blood sacrifice. When the children of God praise and worship together, the works of God take place.
2. Tithe
Tithe is not simply an offering. Tithe is the acknowledgment of God as the master of your life and the way to receive blessings from God. Being used by God and taking part in God''s plan is joy and happiness. Tithe is the enjoyment of this blessing and is the complete giving of your life to God. The individuals in the Bible knew the meaning of tithe and devoted in joy, and God added blessings to those who restored tithe.
3. The day of the Lord
God told us of the day of the Lord through the book of Malachi. God has said that He will save His children from the hands of Satan and make them victorious before the great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. Malachi 4:5 Furthermore, God said He will destroy the forces of darkness that has covered the world and heal problems on the day He has set. We must put this day in our hearts and look upon God’s plan.
- Do you always remember and enjoy the covenant from God? Think of the covenant that you have with God and how you can restore worship and offering. Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 2nd Service / 2012.7.1