A. Introduction

• ...Yet you say, for what reason? Because the Lord has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. But not one has done so who has a remnant of the Spirit. And what did that one do while he was seeking a godly offspring? Take heed then, to your spirit, and let no one deal treacherously against the wife of your youth.

• For I hate divorce, says the Lord, the God of Israel, and him who covers his garment wrong, says the Lord of hosts. So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously...

B. HOME SWEET HOME

• • The word home conjures up ideas of the most pleasant sort, rest, security, safety, unconditional love, and full acceptance.
• • The importance of one's home is universally admitted.
• • From famed agnostic to devout Christian, all emphatically concur in the home's importance and its connection to society's welfare and one's well-being.
• HOME is brought about by marriage

C. WHEN SIN INVADES THE HOME

• • It destroys the God-given beauty. Such happened in Israel and was the basis for the words of Malachi 2:14-16.
• • Israel was carelessly destroying the beauty of God's home
• • With subtle moves, Israel had modified God's home and their redesign fell far short of divine approval!
• • Instead of joy and security, the homes of the Malachi era brought shame and sorrow.
• • God's prophet was sent to correct this tragedy.
• • From Malachi's words, we can find a great lesson regarding the home's holiness

CONCLUSION

• • Occasionally, you hear families discussing the inevitability of death. Often the conversation turns to what certain persons are to inherit.
• • The greatest inheritance a parent can give a child is a holy home! The most cherished item you can will to another upon your death is the precious memory of a holy home!
• • Malachi spoke to families whose homes were being destroyed. The prophet tried to correct the damage by calling the nation to incorporate these four hallmarks of a holy home.
• • His call is appropriate to families today.
• • May all possess these hallmarks of a holy home in Jesus Christ's Name!