NCF Sunday Worship Livestream - September 20, 2026

Meditation: Titus 2:13-14

Call to Worship: Isaiah 40:1-11

Catechism: Catechism week 36 question 99

NT reading: Matthew 11:1-10

Sermon Text: Malachi 2:17-3:6

Sermon Title: Who Can Endure the Day of His Coming?

Sermon Summary:

Israel looked at the world around them and saw evil people prospering. They questioned God's justice and wondered whether He was truly present and active: “Where is the God of justice?” But these were not humble questions from people seeking understanding. They were arrogant accusations. God had been confronting Israel over their own sin, yet instead of repenting, Israel turned the tables and put God on trial.

The question Israel asked is not confined to Malachi's day. It is a question we continue to hear—and perhaps one we have asked ourselves: If God is just, why does He allow evil to prosper? Where is His justice? God's answer is not to defend Himself. He tells them to behold Him. He is coming. He will send His messenger to prepare the way, and then the Lord Himself will come suddenly to His temple. But God's coming raises a more searching question: “Who can endure the day of his coming?” We all want justice, but are we prepared to stand before the perfectly just and holy God? The Lord comes not only to judge the wicked but to purify His own people. He comes like a refiner's fire and a launderer's soap, cleansing His people so that they may offer righteous worship to Him. Refining can be a painful process, but this is not ultimately a message of despair for God's people. “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” God's covenant faithfulness is the reason His people are not destroyed. The God who comes in holiness is the same God who remains faithful to His covenant promises. Only God's covenant mercy keeps His people from being consumed, and only those who are in Christ can stand when He appears.