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Malachi’s Message
Malachi’s message is a gripping account of how God’s true church got off track and the consequences of what happens when we disobey God’s instructions. Although many people are amazed at what is going on in the world, all of the occurrences we are witnessing have been prophesied long ago. In the book of Malachi, God’s people were warned to keep in remembrance the things for which they had received. (Malachi 4:4-6) Many of the prophecies of old tell of a "turning away" of God’s people before Christ’s return to the earth. As it was warned in Malachi’s day, the same truths exist in our time: If we obey we will be spared; if we disobey we will be damned. During the time of Malachi, God’s temple was completed under the leadership of Zerubbabel, Haggai, and Zechariah. It was approximately 100 years and spiritual apathy had set in. The people were disregarding the message of God, not paying their tithes, performing intermarriages with foreigners and engaging in divorces. Israel, God’s chosen people were sacrificing offerings that were blemished and unacceptable. Instead of giving God their best, they offered him leftovers. And to make matters worst, the priests were guilty of not teaching the people the way of God and there was no change in behavior. If there is true repentance, then there must be a change in behavior. Israel was condemned because of her attitude toward God. She complained of being tired of serving God because it brought her no material prosperity, while those who ignored God were prospering and were not suffering any discipline from him. In a word, she served God for her own personal gain. Sound familiar? Just as it was in Malachi’s day, people are doing the same thing today. God is an afterthought until a tragedy arises, then we want to declare a national day of prayer. If God’s people are to have hope in this last day, then they must turn back to God. We are a carnal people in search of worldly things. The scriptures spoke of a time when men hearts would fail them. People, this is happening right now. Christ came to the earth to call sinners to repentance and to offer them a seat in the kingdom. His second return will be one of judgment. No more will we have an opportunity to repent because the time to receive Christ is now. There will be no Malachi to warn us, so seek God now while He can be found and call on his name while he is still listening. Our world is in the worst state I have ever witnessed, and I am appealing to you to get right and do it now. By Naomi J. Brown
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