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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 . . .
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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. .
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Today, how will FAITH guide your relationships with God and with others?
