The prophet Malachi ministered to the Jews who returned from exile. In 586 B.C., Jerusalem was utterly destroyed (see Lamentations), and the final deportations of captives were taken to Babylon. Some captives (about 50,000) began to return under the leadership of Zerubbabel (see Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah). However, the 70-year captivity was not over until the temple was rebuilt and worship resumed in Jerusalem, in 516 B.C. (see 1Ki 8:46–53; Jer 32:36–37; Dan 6:1–17). Many of the sins cited by Malachi were already prominent in the time of Nehemiah (cf. Nehemiah 13) and were corrected by his reforms.
These notes are from the February 2011 conference on Malachi held in Florida.
Malachi – The Choice of a Nation – Florida 2011
Gene Cunningham - February 13, 2000
Cross to the Crown #1
One Mission. Crown of Righteousness (2Ti 4:8) -- longing for His appearing. Mat 16:18 "I will build my Church" -- Joh 4:24. (1) Our mission (Mat 28:18-20) is "make disciples". Comes from authority of Jesus Christ which has been delegated. (2) Our method -- go, baptize. and teach. We keep the faith by spreading it (2Ti 4:7). (3) Mystery -- "Behold I am with you always" for the purpose of fellowship with Him and one another.
Scripture References: Matthew 28:18-20, John 4:24, Matthew 16:18
From Series: "The Cross to the Crown"
To get from 'the cross to the crown' we need to make decisions to live a life of spiritual dynamics using God's provisions -- His Word and Spirit. This series given in early 2006 before Gene moved back to the States outlines ten aspects of our discipleship.