Trust

Scripture References Malachi 3 Leviticus 27 Deuteronomy 27 Deuteronomy 28 Isaiah 45 Introduction The group explored Malachi 3, where God accuses His people of “robbing” Him by withholding the tithe. Through lively stories about grandparents who lived through the Great Depression and modern habits of excess, the conversation pressed one core issue: our willingness to trust God with the first tenth of everything reveals whether we actually believe He is our Provider. Malachi promises either a curse or an overflow of blessing, and the men wrestled honestly with whether such consequences still apply under Christ. The study opened with light banter about volunteering at the church’s upcoming “At the Movies” outreach, then shifted to a question: “If your grandparents walked into your house today, what would they say you waste the most?” Answers–time on phones, eating out, bottled water, oversized houses–set the stage for a deeper look at stewardship. Key Points / Exposition 1. We Waste What Earlier Generations Guarded Grandparents who survived the Depression reused bacon grease, canned vegetables, washed foil, and ate every bite; few owned large homes or dined out. Illustration: one member listed 27 Apple devices he owns–laptops, tablets, watches–contrasting that excess with older relatives who hoarded scrap fabric and garden produce. The exercise highlighted how casually we now spend time, money, and resources. 2. “Will a Mere Mortal Rob God?” – Malachi 3:8 God’s charge is not merely “disobedience” but “robbery” because everything already belongs to Him. Withholding tithes signals a deeper issue: a lack of trust in God’s provision. Question posed: When finances feel tight, is my instinct to trust God more or to grip my money tighter? 3. The Curse of Withholding Malachi 3:9 ties national hardship to collective robbery: “You are under a curse–your whole nation–because you are robbing Me.” Leviticus 27 outlines the tithe requirement; Deuteronomy 28 lists graphic blessings for obedience and curses for rebellion (failed crops, debt, even family calamity). Discussion: Have we ever felt seasons where everything went wrong? Could some hardship be self-inflicted by ignoring God’s covenant principles? 4. Test God With the Tithe “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse… Test Me in this… and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven.” God invites Israel to the only sanctioned “test” of Him–returning the full tenth. Promised results: abundant harvests, protected vines, and provision “more than you can store.” Purpose of blessing (v. 12): so “all nations will call you blessed” and recognize God’s goodness. 5. Do These Curses and Blessings Still Operate Today? Lively debate: Some argued Christ’s atonement removes direct curses, but God still disciplines to draw believers back. Others noted Isaiah 45 where God claims authorship of both prosperity and calamity–His character has not changed. Distinction suggested: vertical sins against God (e.g., robbing Him) may invite heavier consequences than horizontal sins against people. Consensus: Whatever form discipline takes, God’s goal is always reconciliation and His own glory, not spite. Major Lessons & Revelations Everything we possess is on loan from God; keeping the tithe is stealing, not savvy budgeting. Our first reaction when security is threatened reveals whether we trust God or wealth. God’s blessings are meant to showcase His goodness to outsiders, not just improve our lifestyle. Under the New Covenant, God still uses circumstances–even painful ones–to bring His people back to faithful dependence. What we protect most fiercely shows what we trust most deeply. Practical Application Examine this week where you are gripping resources instead of trusting God–time, money, possessions–and open your hand. Set aside the first ten percent of every paycheck and bring it to God before any other expense. Track one area of habitual waste (eating out, streaming, delivery apps) and redirect that amount to generosity. Share with a brother where you sense God’s discipline and pray together for renewed obedience. Conclusion & Call to Response The study ended with a sober reminder: God is not after our cash; He is after our confidence. When we hold everything loosely and return the tithe, we invite His protection and provision–not just for ourselves but as a witness to everyone watching. The challenge lingers: “What you protect most fiercely reveals what you trust most deeply.” Insights Grandpa survived the Great Depression; we can survive scrolling–trade screen time for kingdom time. Your wallet tells louder testimonies than your lips; generosity proves where your security truly sleeps. When money feels tight, open your grip; God can’t fill clenched fists. Comfort warns, ‘hold back’; faith whispers, ’test Me’–obedience unlocks floodgate blessings. What you defend at all costs is already your master; choose love over luxury. Stop treating tips like tithes; God’s invitation is total trust, not spare change.

Scripture References Acts 27 2 Corinthians 11 Acts 21 Acts 23 John 19 Introduction Guest speaker Jonathan “JP” Pokluda continues Lake Pointe’s Acts series, “There Is More: Endgame,” walking through Paul’s harrowing voyage in Acts 27. From a prisoner’s chains, Paul steadies 276 frightened people, proving that God – not weather, not authorities – holds the outcome. The chapter carries three big lessons: stay calm by remembering who is in charge, realize storms reveal real faith, and do your part while trusting God for everything else. Key Points / Exposition 1. Stay Calm by Remembering Who Controls the Outcome Paul, though in chains, warns the sailors that sailing after the Day of Atonement is disastrous; they ignore him. His peace rests in God’s sovereignty: Paul cannot command weather or captains, but he can command his own obedience, speech, and attitude. Obedience is never measured by immediate results; it is measured by faithfulness to God’s leading. Illustration: an eighth-grade flight that hit severe turbulence – a Bible bouncing off the ceiling – exposed a deeper fear: being out of control. Story: a bar confrontation where the aggressor calmly phoned two massive friends; his calm came from confidence in who backed him. Believers stay calm when they know who backs them. 2. The Storm Is Where Our Faith Is Seen Hurricane-force winds batter the ship for 14 days; cargo and tackle are thrown overboard, hope is lost. An angel assures Paul that he must stand before Caesar and all aboard will survive. Paul relays the message: “Keep up your courage…for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.” Storms give Christians their greatest platform; without trouble, faith remains theoretical. Historical note: John Wesley realized he was not truly saved after watching calm Moravian missionaries sing during a life-threatening storm. 3. Do Your Part and Trust God for the Rest Sailors try to abandon ship; Paul insists, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” Soldiers cut the lifeboat away. For two weeks no one has eaten; Paul breaks bread, thanks God publicly, and everyone eats – basic self-care restored. Practical takeaway: keep doing the basics (rest, Scripture, prayer, community) even when life feels chaotic. Illustration: a daughter “driving” the grocery-cart car – Dad lets her turn the wheel but still directs the cart toward his unseen grocery list. Sometimes God lets us feel in control; other times He steers another way for a larger purpose. Major Lessons & Revelations God owns the outcome; our role is simple obedience. Storms do not create faith; they reveal the faith already present. Public courage in crisis can lead others to salvation and safety. Neglecting spiritual and physical basics during trials compounds the danger. God may calm the storm, or He may calm His child within the storm – either way, He is faithful. Practical Application Surrender your need to manage every variable; practice immediate obedience in the small things. Speak up with reasoned, Spirit-led courage even if people ignore you. Maintain basic rhythms of Scripture, prayer, community, rest, and healthy habits when life gets turbulent. View current hardship as a platform to display authentic faith to onlookers. Rehearse God’s past faithfulness to strengthen present trust. Conclusion & Call to Response The message closed with a sweeping reminder of God’s proven experience – parting seas, shutting lions’ mouths, raising Jesus from the dead. If He has conquered death, He can certainly handle our storms. “If God is for you, who can be against you?” Whether He stills the wind or steadies your heart, He has you securely in His hands. Look at the birds, look at the flowers – your Father cares far more for you. Prayer Father, calm Your people in their storms and thank You for Jesus’ death and resurrection. Give us fresh vision of eternity so present problems shrink in comparison. Bless the church and its influence, and commit every listener to Your care in Jesus’ name. References & Resources Lake Pointe sermon series: “There Is More: Endgame” Guest speaker: Jonathan “JP” Pokluda (Harris Creek Baptist Church) Insights When life shakes like turbulence, remember the cockpit is occupied; God still holds the yoke. Outcomes don’t prove obedience; your courage to speak up does, so trust beyond the results. Storms strip priorities fast, revealing what you worship; choose to anchor in eternal truth. Faith isn’t avoiding rough air; it’s opening Scripture mid-drop and finding steady ground inside. Your peace can pilot others; someone’s survival may hinge on your choice to lead while chained. If God can outrun death, He can outlast this downpour – so stop fearing the forecast.