THE WORD

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THE WORD

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The Preaching Ministry of Ashley River Baptist Church

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The Church, Part 4 Practice of Worship Malachi 1:6-2:6 I. The Reverence of the Worshipper Psalm 95: 6; Revelation 4:11 The focus of true worship is always on God! 2:5 "My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. 1:11 My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among the nations," says the LORD Almighty. 1:14 “…For I am a great king," says the LORD Almighty, "and my name is to be feared among the nations.” II. The Result in the Worshipper 1: 9 "Now implore God to be gracious to us. With such offerings from your hands, will he accept you?"-- says the LORD Almighty.” When true worship is experienced, certain results occur in the life of the worshipper. Result#1: Pardon Isaiah 6:7 “he touched my mouth with it and said, "Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin is forgiven.“ Result#2: Power 1:14 “For I am a great king," says the LORD Almighty, "and my name is to be feared among the nations.” Result#3: Peace 2: 5 "My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him;

Result#4: Purpose 1:6 “...If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” 2:4 “And you will know that I have sent you this admonition so that my covenant with Levi may continue," says the LORD Almighty. III. The Response of the Worshipper True worship demands a genuine and sincere response to God. 2:2 “…set your heart to honor me.” The worship offered by Malachi’s people was unacceptable in two key areas: 1 – Polluted sacrifices they offered to God 2 – Tithes and offerings they withheld from Him 3:8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. 9You are under a curse-the whole nation of you-- because you are robbing me. 1 Peter 2:5; Rom 12:1

Conclusion Worship is not an elective activity that we may “take or leave” but is a central practice of the Christian faith, demanded by God and which brings honor to God and blessings to the worshipers, His Church! Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.