Steve PetchSunday 6th January 2013

Questioning GodMalachi 1 - 4

All scripture is God breathed, and is useful for teaching rebuking,

correcting and training in righteousness, so that the people of God may be equipped

for every good work.” 2 Tim 3v16-17

Questioning God

The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.

“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you say, “How have you loved us?”

Questioning God

Does God really love us?

Why is God not blessing us?

We see evil people prosper, and good people suffer, so why bother serving God?

Questioning God

The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.

“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you say, “How have you loved us?”

Questioning God

God’s answer: I chose you, I adopted you, I forgave

you, I made you a part of my people for all eternity, I have given you my Holy Spirit. I gave my son Jesus for you.

Questioning God

God’s questions:

How have you shown your love for me?

Does God really love us?

Why is God not blessing us?

We see evil people prosper, and good people suffer, so why bother serving God?

Questioning God

Questioning God

God’s questions:

How have you shown your love for me?

What makes you think you deserve to be blessed?

What sort of living sacrifice of worship are you bringing to God day by day?

Is there sacrifice in your financial giving to God?

Are your relationships holy?

Does God really love us?

Why is God not blessing us?

We see evil people prosper, and good people suffer, so why bother serving God?

Questioning God

Questioning God

God’s questions:

How have you shown your love for me?

What makes you think you deserve to be blessed?

Do you really think you are good?

The point at which we ask God to judge sinful people, is the point at which we

invite him to judge ourselves.

The good news in Malachi:

•He points us to Jesus

•He invites us to test him in sacrificial worship

•He points us to the certainty of our future eternal salvation based on his choice of us

Questioning God

Questioning God

The good news in Malachi:

•He points us to Jesus

•He invites us to test him in sacrificial worship

•He points us to the certainty of our future eternal salvation based on his choice of us

Questioning God

Does God really love me?

Why is God not blessing me?

I see evil people prosper, and good people suffer, so why bother serving God?

Questioning God

Questioning God

God can use many different vessels to serve him,

but he won’t use a dirty vessel.

Let make this a year when we show our love for God

Steve PetchSunday 6th January 2013

Questioning GodMalachi 1 - 4