Restoring Broken Fellowship Malachi 3:7- 12
INTRODUCTION TO THE TEXT: One of things that I love about being a Christian is that I can now experience a never-ending, never-disturbed relationship with God – the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. However, the greatest joy on this side of Heaven is to have fellowship with the Father!
Relationship without Fellowship means that my life is OUT OF ORDER!
TRANSITION TO THE TEXT: Luther Vandross has a popular tune out right now were he expresses a deep desire to dance with His father again! I would gather that he is experiencing the ache and agony of the absence of His father
This text is written in the IMPERFECT tense. This simply means that this is a CONTINUOUS CONDITION.
I. HOW THE FELLOWSHIP GOT MESSED UP? (v. 7a)
God says that this is not a new problem.
II. HOW CAN I CLEAN UP WHAT I MESSED UP? (v. 7b)
God gives me an opportunity to deal with Him -- One on one.
III. HOW CAN I HAVE CONTINUED FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD? (verses 8 - 12)
Tithing is a matter of FAITH RAISING not FUND RAISING.
GOD WILL ALWAYS GET HIS TITHE!
There is a two-fold reward for obedience.
REWARD OF PROVISION: "Open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings..."
REWARD OF PROTECTION: "rebuke the devourer on your behalf"
