Losing Touch with Living God (Malachi)

For many people their Christian life has become indifferent. Faith has lost its edge and the great enthusiasm which followed their conversion has gradually cooled. The Christian life has become comfortable and easy. It almost seems as if they are losing touch with the living God. While this may be a description of ourselves and even of the church today, it was the state of Israel at the time of Malachi. The prophet addresses the problem of spiritual degeneration, the fossilizing of our faith, and through Malachi God challenges and accuses Israel about their spiritual condition.

John Benton shows how Malachi’s book is a call from lax and hollow religion and points the way back to genuine, enduring faith in the Lord who does not change.

John Benton was a pastor in Guildford for many years, and is currently Director of Pastoral Support for the John Owen Centre at London Seminary. He is also managing editor of the monthly Christian newspaper Evangelicals Now.