Genesis 1 - Man made in God's Image

Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

Job 26 - the greatness of God.
And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?”

Malachi 3-4

• Malachi means my messenger
• Message is return to the Lord
• Last book of OT before coming of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ
• Minor prophet
• It is not about tithing - it is about the heart
• Talked about bad leadership of the priests
• Historically, Israel was rrestored tho the land from Babylon. They were rebuilding the temple and the walls. They have reconstituted sacrifices and worship, but are losing perspective and focus spiritually
• Behold - means look at this...it is a word of vision
• Messenger is 3:1 is John the Baptist.
• Next Messenger is referring to Jesus Christ
• 4:5 - refers to Elijah. Then John the Baptist, then Jesus Christ, then Elijah comes back before Jesus Christ return.

Malachi 2

Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4

The message is always the same...As a Christian, the Lord is on my side! Not when I do wrong, but whether I do wrong or not. Whatever your day looks like…His loving arms are around you/me! 

V1-5 - bare your burdens and everyone else's

V6 share - coinania - 

V11-16 - unity - how do all the programs connect at church and what do people do once they become Christians?

 How do we create a culture of passionate followers of Jesus? The Lord said make disciples. 

The church is not an audience...it is an army. Instead of "did you have fun at church today", ask, "who did you serve today?"  What did you learn about someone else today? How did you help the church today?

"until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:13 NIV"

Where are you at in your passions?

People

Purpose

Prevention-v14, he warns about immaturity (act differently in different settings), instability (right church culture helps you with that-if you belong to that church body), ignorance - get off track by mockers at work or what appears to be pleasures others enjoy that you as a Christian don't. Then attend church and sing together about God and Jesus...have support.At church you are reassured, reminded of what you believe, reunited. Church prevents immaturity, instability, and ignorance.

If you are going down the wrong path, who in the church (everyone who is the image of Christ) do you know who can help you get back on track?

Where are your passions focused? Who are they focused on? You or Christ?

Midnights and Amish

Galations 1&2

Galations 2