Embracing Our Mission: The Gospel's Urgent Call
Summary
### Summary
Today, we concluded our journey through the book of Malachi, the last prophetic words before the arrival of Jesus Christ. For 400 years, the people of Israel awaited the Messiah, but when He came, many missed Him. This is a poignant reminder for us today: how many of us have the Gospel in our hearts, yet know people who are so close to it but remain unchanged? We welcomed a group of volunteers who have come from various parts of the country to spread the Gospel and serve our community. Their mission aligns with our core belief at Refuge: sharing the Gospel is our number one job.
As we delved into Malachi, we reflected on the historical context: the Israelites had returned from Babylonian captivity but were still struggling spiritually. Their priests couldn't serve because the tithes weren't coming in, and the sacrifices were subpar. This led to a sense of disillusionment, as it seemed the wicked were prospering more than the faithful. However, God’s message was clear: there are only two groups of people in this world—the lost and the saved. This dichotomy is as relevant today as it was then.
We explored the promise of the coming day of the Lord, a day of judgment for the wicked but healing and righteousness for those who fear God's name. This prophecy was partially fulfilled in 70 AD with the fall of the temple, but it also points to a future time when God will establish His kingdom fully. We discussed the importance of living in the freedom Christ offers, not as a license to sin but as a liberty to serve Him wholeheartedly.
We also touched on the role of Elijah as a forerunner, a prophetic figure who calls people to repentance. John the Baptist fulfilled this role in the spirit of Elijah, preparing the way for Jesus. This serves as a reminder that our mission is to point people to Christ, not to get entangled in religious rituals but to foster a genuine relationship with Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Dichotomy of the Lost and the Saved: There are only two groups of people in this world—the lost and the saved. This stark reality should compel us to share the Gospel with urgency and compassion, recognizing that eternal destinies are at stake. [39:38]
2. Living in Freedom, Not Licentiousness: Christ offers us freedom, but this liberty is not a license to sin. Instead, it is an invitation to live a life of obedience and service, reflecting the light of Christ in a dark world. [52:22]
3. The Role of Elijah and John the Baptist: Elijah's prophetic role was to call people to repentance, a role that John the Baptist fulfilled in the New Testament. This reminds us that our mission is to prepare the way for Christ in the hearts of people, pointing them to a genuine relationship with Him. [14:34]
4. The Importance of Genuine Relationship Over Religion: Religion often focuses on rules and rituals, but a genuine relationship with Jesus is transformative. This relationship calls us to surrender, serve, and follow Him wholeheartedly, impacting every area of our lives. [45:08]
5. The Promise of Healing and Restoration: The prophecy in Malachi speaks of a future where there will be complete healing and restoration. This promise gives us hope and motivates us to live faithfully, knowing that God’s ultimate plan is to restore all things. [58:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:28] - The Messiah Came and They Missed Him
[36:49] - Welcoming the Volunteers
[38:25] - Closing the Book of Malachi
[39:38] - The Dichotomy of the Lost and the Saved
[40:17] - The Coming Day of the Lord
[41:04] - Elijah the Prophet
[42:40] - The Good Side of the Story
[44:46] - The Religions of the World
[46:39] - The Church Age
[49:29] - The Son of Righteousness
[51:22] - Jesus, the Light of the World
[52:56] - Following Jesus
[54:05] - Reflecting Christ’s Light
[55:37] - The Freedom in Christ
[57:07] - Healing in Christ
[58:13] - The New Heaven and New Earth
[01:00:19] - The Analogy of the Cow
[01:02:43] - The Liberty in Christ
[01:05:18] - The Ten Commandments
[01:10:08] - The Promise of Elijah
[01:14:34] - John the Baptist and Elijah
[01:17:36] - The Two Groups of People
[01:19:45] - Living with Joy and Victory
[01:20:18] - Closing Prayer
[01:26:25] - Announcements and Farewell
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Malachi 4:1-6
2. Matthew 5:17
3. John 8:12
### Observation Questions
1. What were the Israelites struggling with after returning from Babylonian captivity, according to the sermon? [38:25]
2. How does the sermon describe the dichotomy between the lost and the saved? [39:38]
3. What role did John the Baptist play in relation to Elijah, as mentioned in the sermon? [41:04]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the "Son of Righteousness" in Malachi 4:2? [49:29]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand the historical context of the Israelites' struggles in Malachi? How does this context help us relate to our own spiritual struggles today? [38:25]
2. How does the dichotomy of the lost and the saved compel us to share the Gospel with urgency and compassion? [39:38]
3. What does it mean to live in the freedom Christ offers without falling into licentiousness? How can this balance be maintained in our daily lives? [52:22]
4. How does the role of John the Baptist as a forerunner to Jesus serve as a model for our mission to point people to Christ? [41:04]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there people close to you who are "18 inches away" from the Gospel but remain unchanged? How can you engage them in a meaningful conversation about faith this week? [35:28]
2. The sermon emphasized living in the freedom Christ offers. Are there areas in your life where you might be using this freedom as a license to sin? How can you realign your actions to reflect true liberty in Christ? [52:22]
3. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance. How can you prepare the way for Christ in the hearts of those around you? What specific actions can you take this week to point someone to a genuine relationship with Jesus? [41:04]
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of a genuine relationship with Jesus over religious rituals. Are there any religious rituals or routines in your life that have become more about the ritual than the relationship? How can you refocus on fostering a genuine relationship with Jesus? [45:08]
5. The promise of healing and restoration in Malachi gives us hope. How can this promise motivate you to live faithfully in your current circumstances? What steps can you take to hold onto this hope in challenging times? [58:13]
6. The sermon mentioned the role of volunteers in spreading the Gospel and serving the community. How can you get involved in similar activities within your church or community? What specific actions can you take to share the Gospel and serve others this month? [36:49]
7. Reflect on the concept of living with joy and victory in Christ. Are there areas in your life where you feel defeated or discouraged? How can you shift your perspective to live with the joy and victory that comes from knowing Christ? [49:00]
Devotional
Day 1: The Urgency of Sharing the Gospel
There are only two groups of people in this world—the lost and the saved. This stark reality should compel us to share the Gospel with urgency and compassion, recognizing that eternal destinies are at stake. The Israelites, despite having the prophetic words of Malachi, missed the arrival of the Messiah. This serves as a poignant reminder for us today: how many of us have the Gospel in our hearts, yet know people who are so close to it but remain unchanged? We must not be complacent but instead be driven by the urgency to share the Good News with those around us.
The dichotomy between the lost and the saved is not just a theological concept but a reality that impacts every person we encounter. Our mission is to bridge that gap by sharing the love and truth of Jesus Christ. This is not just the job of missionaries or pastors but a calling for every believer. We must be intentional in our relationships, conversations, and actions, always pointing others to the hope and salvation found in Christ.
Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV): "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
Reflection: Think of one person in your life who does not know Christ. How can you intentionally share the Gospel with them this week?
Day 2: Freedom in Christ, Not a License to Sin
Christ offers us freedom, but this liberty is not a license to sin. Instead, it is an invitation to live a life of obedience and service, reflecting the light of Christ in a dark world. The Israelites struggled with spiritual disillusionment, feeling that the wicked were prospering more than the faithful. However, God’s message through Malachi was clear: true freedom comes from living in obedience to Him, not from following our own desires.
Living in the freedom Christ offers means we are no longer bound by the chains of sin, but it also means we are called to a higher standard of living. This freedom should lead us to serve others, love unconditionally, and live righteously. It is a liberty that empowers us to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that desperately needs His light.
Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Reflection: In what ways have you been using your freedom in Christ? Are there areas where you need to shift from self-indulgence to service?
Day 3: Preparing the Way for Christ
Elijah's prophetic role was to call people to repentance, a role that John the Baptist fulfilled in the New Testament. This reminds us that our mission is to prepare the way for Christ in the hearts of people, pointing them to a genuine relationship with Him. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, we are called to prepare the way for His return by living lives that reflect His love and truth.
Our mission is not to get entangled in religious rituals but to foster genuine relationships with Jesus. This means living out our faith in practical ways, being a light in our communities, and calling others to repentance and faith in Christ. We are forerunners in our own right, preparing the hearts of those around us for the transformative power of the Gospel.
Isaiah 40:3 (ESV): "A voice cries: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'"
Reflection: How can you be a forerunner for Christ in your community? What practical steps can you take to prepare the way for Him in the hearts of those around you?
Day 4: Genuine Relationship Over Religion
Religion often focuses on rules and rituals, but a genuine relationship with Jesus is transformative. This relationship calls us to surrender, serve, and follow Him wholeheartedly, impacting every area of our lives. The Israelites struggled with empty rituals and subpar sacrifices, but God desired a genuine relationship with them, one that would transform their hearts and lives.
A genuine relationship with Jesus goes beyond attending church services or following religious traditions. It involves daily surrender, seeking His will, and allowing His love to transform us from the inside out. This relationship should impact how we live, how we treat others, and how we serve God. It is a call to wholehearted devotion and a life that reflects His love and grace.
John 15:5 (ESV): "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are more focused on religious rituals than on a genuine relationship with Jesus? How can you shift your focus to deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 5: The Promise of Healing and Restoration
The prophecy in Malachi speaks of a future where there will be complete healing and restoration. This promise gives us hope and motivates us to live faithfully, knowing that God’s ultimate plan is to restore all things. The Israelites faced spiritual struggles and disillusionment, but God’s promise of healing and restoration was a beacon of hope for them, as it is for us today.
We live in a broken world, but God’s promise of restoration gives us hope. This promise is not just for the future but impacts how we live today. It motivates us to live faithfully, to trust in God’s plan, and to be agents of His healing and restoration in the world. We are called to live in the light of this promise, knowing that God is at work, restoring all things to Himself.
Revelation 21:4 (ESV): "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
Reflection: How does the promise of God’s healing and restoration impact your daily life? In what ways can you be an agent of His healing and restoration in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "How many of you have the Gospel in your heart? How many of you know people that don't? How many of you know people that get so close to this? They get 18 inches away from this and it doesn't transform their life." [35:28] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There are only two groups of people in this world, the lost and the saved. There's not the in-between. There's not the up-and-coming saved. There is lost and there is saved." [39:38] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Relationship with Jesus Christ gets you into heaven. But that Islam, here's what Islam teaches. They believe that salvation comes to those who obey Allah sufficiently. That their good deeds must outweigh their bad. That is what they're striving towards." [45:08] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You know what Jesus is calling you and I to do? Become a slave to him. To surrender to him. To serve him. So what does that really mean? That means, Lord, whatever you want, I'll do it." [51:49] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you're struggling with food, Jesus is your source because he teaches in his word, if a man don't work, a man don't eat. He teaches in his word to pull ourselves up and provide by trusting him." [01:12:03] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We have give as a cheerful giver, which should actually be bigger than the tithe because we have the revival. We have the revealed word all the way to Revelation." [37:38] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So I want to spend most of our time dealing with more the good side of this story. We spent a lot of time last week talking about the lost and talking about where it leaves them and talking about how they'll be so empty and reminding everyone in this room you were lost too. Nobody's born saved." [42:40] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Because the world is broken. So yeah, he comes to fulfill. The second thing that Jesus comes, is to be the light of the world. Have you ever noticed that Jesus looks a lot different than everything else, right? Every other religion is keeping rules and doing regulations. Jesus is not. Just follow me. Just do it my way." [51:22] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We want to be alive as Christians. We want to take every opportunity that we can. So there's a great acronym I want you to take with this. Jesus, Others, Yourself. That is the model. Jesus first. That's why most of this message has been all about Jesus. But then it's others." [01:08:13] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We serve a risen king. We serve a person and a God that guarantees us peace and prosperity forever. Let's live like it. Let's not get stuck in religion. Let's not get stuck in ourself. Let's take this week the world for Christ." [01:19:45] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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