This past Sunday, Pastor Gustafson led us through a thought-provoking sermon based on Malachi 3, reminding us of the timeless relevance of God's word and how it speaks to our lives today. As we gathered in faith, we explored the profound ways in which God listens to us, even when we may not realize it, and how He calls us His treasured possession.

• God's Ever-Present Attention: Pastor Gustafson highlighted how God hears us, even in our moments of doubt and complaint, just as He did with the Hebrews in Malachi's time. This serves as a powerful reminder that we are never alone in our struggles.
• The Call to Genuine Faith: We were encouraged to reflect on our spiritual state, recognizing when we might be physically present but spiritually distant. The challenge is to engage our hearts fully in our relationship with God.
• Redemption and Thanksgiving: As we approach Thanksgiving, Pastor Gustafson beautifully illustrated how God invites us to His table, offering the finest of meals through communion, symbolizing His body and blood, and reminding us of our redemption and forgiveness.

As we reflect on these messages, let's carry the spirit of thanksgiving beyond the holiday. May we live each day with gratitude, acknowledging that through Christ's sacrifice, we are redeemed and cherished.

November 23, 2025 Sermon

Reading

• Malachi 3:13-18
• Habakkuk 3
• Job 40-41

Warm Up

• Can you recall a time when you felt like you were just going through the motions in your spiritual life? What caused that feeling?
• How do you typically respond when you hear people speaking negatively about someone you care about?

Scripture Exploration

• Read Malachi 3:13-18. What is the main complaint that God has against the people?
• How does the Hebrew language enhance our understanding of the text according to Pastor Gustafson?
• In what ways does the context of Malachi help us understand the people's attitudes towards God?

Personal Reflection

• What do you think it means to "fear the Lord" in the context of Malachi 3:16?
• How does the story of Job help us understand the appropriate way to bring complaints before God?
• Reflect on the statement "we are lost, condemned, miserable creatures." How does this align with your understanding of human nature and sin?

Personal Application

• How can you ensure that your worship and service to God are sincere and not just going through the motions?
• What steps can you take this week to listen more attentively to God's voice in your life?
• Consider someone in your community who might feel distant from God. How can you reach out to them in love and support?
• Plan a specific action you can take to express gratitude to God daily, not just during Thanksgiving.