A Not So Minor Invitation: Return! (Sermon Audio)
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A Not So Minor Invitation: Return! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the October 18, 2026 sermon, “A Not So Minor Invitation: Return!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Malachi 3 & 4

 

“Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty.”  
Malachi 3:7 (NIV)

As we gaze into God’s instructions for His people through the prophet Malachi, we find the importance of understanding His invitation to . . .

  • Refine:  Malachi 3:1-4

    • Responding to God’s invitation to return takes place as we allow Him to refine us in the refining fires of His Word and His Spirit.  The refining done by God will cleanse us and prepare us for our return to Him as children dearly loved.

  • Examine:  Malachi 3:5-7

    • Responding to God’s invitation to return takes place as we willingly examine our self by the standard and truth of God’s Word.  We examine our thoughts, our actions, and our motives to see anything and everything which has kept us away from God.

  • Tithe:  Malachi 3:8-12

    • Responding to God’s invitation to return takes place as we learn to tithe in our giving to God a portion of everything He gives to us.  It is through tithing that we return to God a submissive heart that understands and acknowledges that He has been the provider of all good things.

  • Understand:  Malachi 3:13-14

    • Responding to God’s invitation to return takes place as learn to understand how we have left God or drifted away from Him.  When we understand our departure, we begin to realize the path of return.

  • Remember:  Malachi 3:15-18

    • Responding to God’s invitation to return takes place when we remember who He is and the promises He has made to His children.  We are motivated to return when we remember His merciful compassion, even as we remember His loving discipline.

  • Notice:  Malachi 4:1-6

    • Responding to God’s invitation to return takes place when we notice how His actions have been consistent with His nature and His Word.  When we notice the words of scripture being fulfilled in history, as well as in our lifetime, we should be motivated to return fully to Him.
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Today, how will you respond to God’s invitation to RETURN?

Encouragement and Prayer: Faith That Produces Work! (10/17/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Faith That Produces Work! (10/17/26)

 

This is the audio from the October 17, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on growing in relationship with God and others through a foundation of faith.  James tells us that we will either have faith in action or we will have faith inaction, the choice is ours.  Since faith is required to please God, it is vital that we hold on to the seeds of faith which have been planted in us and nurture them so they grow into an ever-increasing active faith.  Faith includes a huge element of belief, but it also is made up of confidence and trust which should lead us to do something about what we believe.  Pray that you would rightly examine what your faith is currently leading you to do.  Pray that you would be wise in living life by faith and not use faith as an excuse for foolish decisions.  Pray that your life of active faith would be centered in a relationship with God as you seek to represent Jesus well to those around you.  Pray that the people around you would be more aware of Jesus because of your faith.

“We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith.”
1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to increase your belief in a way that gives you confidence to do the things of God.  Pray that your faith in action would produce good works that honor God.  Pray that you would live a life of thankfulness as you consider the work God has produced in others through their faith.  Ask God to help you recognize His work being done in the lives of others.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Faith That Protects! (10/16/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Faith That Protects! (10/16/26)

 

This is the audio from the October 16, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on growing in relationship with God and others through a foundation of faith.  James tells us that we will either have faith in action or we will have faith inaction, the choice is ours.  Since faith is required to please God, it is vital that we hold on to the seeds of faith which have been planted in us and nurture them so they grow into an ever-increasing active faith.  Faith includes a huge element of belief, but it also is made up of confidence and trust which should lead us to do something about what we believe.  Pray that you would rightly examine what your faith is currently leading you to do.  Pray that you would be wise in living life by faith and not use faith as an excuse for foolish decisions.  Pray that your life of active faith would be centered in a relationship with God as you seek to represent Jesus well to those around you.  Pray that the people around you would be more aware of Jesus because of your faith.

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
Ephesians 6:16 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to increase your belief in a way that gives you confidence to do the things of God.  Pray that you would put your faith into action in such a way that it protects you from the attacks of the enemy.  Pray that you would be aware of the temptations of the evil one, and in faith resist and overcome them.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Faith That Is Tested! (10/15/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Faith That Is Tested! (10/15/26)

 

This is the audio from the October 15, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on growing in relationship with God and others through a foundation of faith.  James tells us that we will either have faith in action or we will have faith inaction, the choice is ours.  Since faith is required to please God, it is vital that we hold on to the seeds of faith which have been planted in us and nurture them so they grow into an ever-increasing active faith.  Faith includes a huge element of belief, but it also is made up of confidence and trust which should lead us to do something about what we believe.  Pray that you would rightly examine what your faith is currently leading you to do.  Pray that you would be wise in living life by faith and not use faith as an excuse for foolish decisions.  Pray that your life of active faith would be centered in a relationship with God as you seek to represent Jesus well to those around you.  Pray that the people around you would be more aware of Jesus because of your faith.

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”
2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to increase your belief in a way that gives you confidence to do the things of God.  Pray that you would be strong in faith as you experience times when you are tested.  Pray that you would accurately examine your faith as you consider the fruit it is producing.  Ask God to fill you with a faith that will pass every test it is put through.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Faith That Encourages Others! (10/14/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Faith That Encourages Others! (10/14/26)

 

This is the audio from the October 14, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on growing in relationship with God and others through a foundation of faith.  James tells us that we will either have faith in action or we will have faith inaction, the choice is ours.  Since faith is required to please God, it is vital that we hold on to the seeds of faith which have been planted in us and nurture them so they grow into an ever-increasing active faith.  Faith includes a huge element of belief, but it also is made up of confidence and trust which should lead us to do something about what we believe.  Pray that you would rightly examine what your faith is currently leading you to do.  Pray that you would be wise in living life by faith and not use faith as an excuse for foolish decisions.  Pray that your life of active faith would be centered in a relationship with God as you seek to represent Jesus well to those around you.  Pray that the people around you would be more aware of Jesus because of your faith.

“I long to see you so that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
Romans 1:11-12 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to increase your belief in a way that gives you confidence to do the things of God.  Pray that your faith would be practiced in such a way that others are encouraged by it.  Pray that you would know the encouragement that comes from being with people of faith.  Ask God to help you grow through a shared faith.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Faith That Is Growing! (10/13/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Faith That Is Growing! (10/13/26)

 

This is the audio from the October 13, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on growing in relationship with God and others through a foundation of faith.  James tells us that we will either have faith in action or we will have faith inaction, the choice is ours.  Since faith is required to please God, it is vital that we hold on to the seeds of faith which have been planted in us and nurture them so they grow into an ever-increasing active faith.  Faith includes a huge element of belief, but it also is made up of confidence and trust which should lead us to do something about what we believe.  Pray that you would rightly examine what your faith is currently leading you to do.  Pray that you would be wise in living life by faith and not use faith as an excuse for foolish decisions.  Pray that your life of active faith would be centered in a relationship with God as you seek to represent Jesus well to those around you.  Pray that the people around you would be more aware of Jesus because of your faith.

“The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’”
Luke 17:5 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to increase your belief in a way that gives you confidence to do the things of God.  Pray that you would understand the need to constantly grow in your faith.  Pray that you would always go to God as both the source of your faith and the source of its growth.  Ask God to increase your faith in ways that help you to know Him more fully.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Faith That Is Visible! (10/12/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Faith That Is Visible! (10/12/26)

 

This is the audio from the October 12, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on growing in relationship with God and others through a foundation of faith.  James tells us that we will either have faith in action or we will have faith inaction, the choice is ours.  Since faith is required to please God, it is vital that we hold on to the seeds of faith which have been planted in us and nurture them so they grow into an ever-increasing active faith.  Faith includes a huge element of belief, but it also is made up of confidence and trust which should lead us to do something about what we believe.  Pray that you would rightly examine what your faith is currently leading you to do.  Pray that you would be wise in living life by faith and not use faith as an excuse for foolish decisions.  Pray that your life of active faith would be centered in a relationship with God as you seek to represent Jesus well to those around you.  Pray that the people around you would be more aware of Jesus because of your faith.

“When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’”
Mark 2:5 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to increase your belief in a way that gives you confidence to do the things of God.  Pray that you would live with a faith that can be seen.  Pray that your faith would be put into action in ways that are not only noticed, but in ways that help others.  Pray that your visible faith would enhance your relationship with God and with others.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

A Not So Minor Relationship: Built On Faith! (Sermon Audio)
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A Not So Minor Relationship: Built On Faith! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the October 11, 2026 sermon, “A Not So Minor Relationship: Built On FAITH!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Malachi 2

 

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

As we gaze into God’s instructions for His people through the prophet Malachi, we find the importance of basing our relationships with God and with people on a life of . . .

  • Fear:  Malachi 2:1-4

    • Having a relationship built on faith begins with fear.  Not a terrified fear, but a reverent fear of the Lord.  It is this fear that draws us near to Him, and to one another, in ways which honor God and His Word.  .

  • Authority:  Malachi 2:5-9

    • Having a relationship built on faith involves an understanding of authority.  When we realize that there is a God in charge of everything, and we’re not it, we learn to humbly submit to God and to one another.

  • Intention:  Malachi 2:10-12

    • Having a relationship built on faith will cause an examination and understanding of our true intention.  As we grow in faith, we grow in our understanding that God knows our heart and considers why we do what we do as well as the actual actions we take.

  • Trust:  Malachi 2:13-16

    • Having a relationship built on faith will require trust to grow in very visible ways.  Our unfaithfulness to God will create a separation, while our return to God will only come when we learn to trust Him.  Our separation from God, and from one another, can only be redeemed when God’s Spirit helps us to trust.

  • Honesty:  Malachi 2:17

    • Having a relationship built on faith will reveal an honesty that acknowledges our sin and failures in ways which promote healing and restoration.  Pretending rarely works long term in any relationship as once honesty fails, the seeds of doubt are planted in every communication.  Being “honest to God” really is the best policy because He already knows and loves us anyhow.
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Today, how will FAITH guide your relationships with God and with others?