E461 Navigating the Bible: Malachi

Then those who feared the Lord spoke Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened with each other, and the Lord listened with each other, and the Lord listened to [music] what they said. In his to [music] what they said. In his to [music] what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was presence, a scroll of remembrance was presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who written to record the names of those who written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the feared him and always thought about the feared him and always thought about the honor of his name. They will be my honor of his name. They will be my honor of his name. They will be my people, says the Lord of heaven's people, says the Lord of heaven's people, says the Lord of heaven's armies. On the day when I act in [music] armies. On the day when I act in [music] armies. On the day when I act in [music] judgment, they will be my own special judgment, they will be my own special judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father treasure. I will spare them as a father treasure. I will spare them as a father spares [music] an obedient child. Then spares [music] an obedient child. Then spares [music] an obedient child. Then you will again see the difference you will again see the difference you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between the righteous and the wicked, between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those between those who serve God and those between those who serve God and those who do not. who do not. who do not. Malachi [music] Malachi [music] Malachi [music] vers 3 16 to1 18. vers 3 16 to1 18. vers 3 16 to1 18. The book of Malachi, [music] The book of Malachi, [music] The book of Malachi, [music] the final book of the Old Testament the final book of the Old Testament the final book of the Old Testament is incredibly special. is incredibly special. is incredibly special. Yes. All the books of the Bible are Yes. All the books of the Bible are Yes. All the books of the Bible are special. That's true. But after this special. That's true. But after this special. That's true. But after this conversation, [music] I will say Malachi conversation, [music] I will say Malachi conversation, [music] I will say Malachi now has a special place in my heart.

now has a special place in my heart. now has a special place in my heart. Only four chapters. So quite a bit Only four chapters. So quite a bit Only four chapters. So quite a bit different than Zechariah. different than Zechariah. different than Zechariah. Malachi is a book focused on the Malachi is a book focused on the Malachi is a book focused on the relationship between God and his people. relationship between God and his people. relationship between God and his people. It's a book about his love. It's a book It's a book about his love. It's a book It's a book about his love. It's a book about our sin. about our sin. about our sin. It's a book that should bring up a lot It's a book that should bring up a lot It's a book that should bring up a lot of self-reflective questions as you read it, but it is questions as you read it, but it is anchored in the truth of God's love anchored in the truth of God's love anchored in the truth of God's love [music] for you and his promise of [music] for you and his promise of [music] for you and his promise of mercy. mercy. mercy. Now, there's a lot to unpack in Malachi, Now, there's a lot to unpack in Malachi, Now, there's a lot to unpack in Malachi, and to help us do it is Dr. Peter Adam, and to help us do it is Dr. Peter Adam, and to help us do it is Dr. Peter Adam, former former former a principal of Ridley Theological a principal of Ridley Theological a principal of Ridley Theological College in Melbourne and author of the College in Melbourne and author of the College in Melbourne and author of the message of [music] Malachi. message of [music] Malachi. message of [music] Malachi. I had a truly wonderful time talking I had a truly wonderful time talking I had a truly wonderful time talking with Peter about Malachi. We talked with Peter about Malachi. We talked with Peter about Malachi. We talked about uh all different topics. We did about uh all different topics. We did about uh all different topics. We did the normal the normal the normal questions that we uh do through these questions that we uh do through these questions that we uh do through these books, but we also talked a lot about books, but we also talked a lot about books, but we also talked a lot about relationships with each other.

relationships with each other. relationships with each other. We talked a lot about um a corporate We talked a lot about um a corporate We talked a lot about um a corporate sin. [music] We talked a lot about um I sin. [music] We talked a lot about um I sin. [music] We talked a lot about um I don't know, a bunch of different topics don't know, a bunch of different topics don't know, a bunch of different topics that fit in so well with this that fit in so well with this that fit in so well with this conversation [music] conversation [music] conversation [music] about the book of Malachi. So, I know about the book of Malachi. So, I know about the book of Malachi. So, I know you're going to enjoy this one. [music] you're going to enjoy this one. [music] you're going to enjoy this one. [music] A a quick heads up. Um we were recording A a quick heads up. Um we were recording A a quick heads up. Um we were recording obviously between [music] obviously between [music] obviously between [music] the US and Australia. So, there were a the US and Australia. So, there were a the US and Australia. So, there were a couple of moments where the connection couple of moments where the connection couple of moments where the connection [music] kind of glitches just a little [music] kind of glitches just a little [music] kind of glitches just a little bit. So, you may hear a few hiccups in bit. So, you may hear a few hiccups in bit. So, you may hear a few hiccups in the [music] audio. And again, these the [music] audio. And again, these the [music] audio. And again, these aren't long. Uh it's it's not long bits aren't long. Uh it's it's not long bits aren't long. Uh it's it's not long bits that are gone. It's it's just uh you that are gone. It's it's just uh you that are gone. It's it's just uh you know, some words or phrases here or know, some words or phrases here or know, some words or phrases here or there. Um [music] so, I I just wanted to there. Um [music] so, I I just wanted to there. Um [music] so, I I just wanted to acknowledge that upfront. Uh but again, acknowledge that upfront. Uh but again, acknowledge that upfront. Uh but again, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> uh it's it's a really wonderful >> uh it's it's a really wonderful >> uh it's it's a really wonderful conversation. Um and Peter does such a conversation. Um and Peter does such a conversation. Um and Peter does such a great job of guiding [music] us through great job of guiding [music] us through great job of guiding [music] us through this book. So without further ado, my this book. So without further ado, my this book. So without further ado, my name is Jason Wheelland and this is name is Jason Wheelland and this is name is Jason Wheelland and this is doable disciplehip. Navigating the Bible doable disciplehip. Navigating the Bible doable disciplehip. Navigating the Bible Malachi.

All right. Uh Dr. Peter Adam, thank you All right. Uh Dr. Peter Adam, thank you so much for for being here with us to so much for for being here with us to so much for for being here with us to put the capstone, if you will, on going put the capstone, if you will, on going put the capstone, if you will, on going through these books of the Old through these books of the Old through these books of the Old Testament. We're talking about Malachi Testament. We're talking about Malachi Testament. We're talking about Malachi today. Everyone's been looking forward today. Everyone's been looking forward today. Everyone's been looking forward to this. they've been tracking through to this. they've been tracking through to this. they've been tracking through this journey with us and uh so thank you this journey with us and uh so thank you this journey with us and uh so thank you for uh for being here with us on our for uh for being here with us on our for uh for being here with us on our last Old Testament book. last Old Testament book. last Old Testament book. >> A great delight and a privilege. Thank >> A great delight and a privilege. Thank >> A great delight and a privilege. Thank you. you. you. >> Uh okay. So, well, it's it so last time >> Uh okay. So, well, it's it so last time >> Uh okay. So, well, it's it so last time when we uh did this, we had Zechariah. when we uh did this, we had Zechariah. when we uh did this, we had Zechariah. That was a little bit on the longer That was a little bit on the longer That was a little bit on the longer side. We had 14 chapters there with side. We had 14 chapters there with side. We had 14 chapters there with Zechariah. Now, we move on to Malachi Zechariah. Now, we move on to Malachi Zechariah. Now, we move on to Malachi and we end with four chapters. two of and we end with four chapters. two of and we end with four chapters. two of which at least in the New Living which at least in the New Living which at least in the New Living Translation are titled the coming day of Translation are titled the coming day of Translation are titled the coming day of judgment. Uh so so so it's kind of a judgment. Uh so so so it's kind of a judgment. Uh so so so it's kind of a little glimpse of of what we may be little glimpse of of what we may be little glimpse of of what we may be getting ourselves into here. But let's getting ourselves into here. But let's getting ourselves into here. But let's start with the basic details like we start with the basic details like we start with the basic details like we always like to do. Um I'm going to always like to do. Um I'm going to always like to do. Um I'm going to phrase the question this way as I've phrase the question this way as I've phrase the question this way as I've learned I need to. learned I need to. learned I need to. Do we know who wrote the book of Malachi Do we know who wrote the book of Malachi Do we know who wrote the book of Malachi and maybe and when it was written? And and maybe and when it was written? And and maybe and when it was written? And how does knowing these things or not how does knowing these things or not how does knowing these things or not knowing these things affect how we read knowing these things affect how we read knowing these things affect how we read the book? Sure. Well, I guess um it the book? Sure. Well, I guess um it the book? Sure. Well, I guess um it comes from Malachi. That's a pretty comes from Malachi. That's a pretty comes from Malachi. That's a pretty reliable guess, I think. And I think uh reliable guess, I think. And I think uh reliable guess, I think. And I think uh we're back in the Holy Land after the we're back in the Holy Land after the we're back in the Holy Land after the exile.

exile. exile. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And the exile was meant to purge and >> And the exile was meant to purge and >> And the exile was meant to purge and cleanse God's people. cleanse God's people. cleanse God's people. Uh and the exile Uh and the exile Uh and the exile certainly seems to have stopped their certainly seems to have stopped their certainly seems to have stopped their idolatry, idolatry, idolatry, >> the worship of other idols. >> the worship of other idols. >> the worship of other idols. But it didn't uh cleanse them of all But it didn't uh cleanse them of all But it didn't uh cleanse them of all their sins. And we find the God's people their sins. And we find the God's people their sins. And we find the God's people uh you know, they wanted to come back uh you know, they wanted to come back uh you know, they wanted to come back from exile, they're back from exile, and from exile, they're back from exile, and from exile, they're back from exile, and yet they're a bit slap dash. Uh they're yet they're a bit slap dash. Uh they're yet they're a bit slap dash. Uh they're a bit lazy. Um a bit so I guess taking a bit lazy. Um a bit so I guess taking a bit lazy. Um a bit so I guess taking God for granted. Yeah. And when you take God for granted. Yeah. And when you take God for granted. Yeah. And when you take God for granted, you start complaining God for granted, you start complaining God for granted, you start complaining about the things which you think God about the things which you think God about the things which you think God should be doing. And when you're should be doing. And when you're should be doing. And when you're complaining to God, you're pretty complaining to God, you're pretty complaining to God, you're pretty unlikely unlikely unlikely to receive God's words to you because to receive God's words to you because to receive God's words to you because your mind is full of complaints. We we your mind is full of complaints. We we your mind is full of complaints. We we know that disease ourselves, I think.

know that disease ourselves, I think. know that disease ourselves, I think. Yeah. [laughter] Yeah. [laughter] Yeah. [laughter] >> Yes. So, it's helpful to it's helpful to >> Yes. So, it's helpful to it's helpful to >> Yes. So, it's helpful to it's helpful to put in the context that with with Haggi put in the context that with with Haggi put in the context that with with Haggi and with Zechariah and now with Malachi, and with Zechariah and now with Malachi, and with Zechariah and now with Malachi, we're in that post exelic time where the we're in that post exelic time where the we're in that post exelic time where the people of Jerusalem have gone back and people of Jerusalem have gone back and people of Jerusalem have gone back and we as we saw from Haggi and with we as we saw from Haggi and with we as we saw from Haggi and with Zechariah is is God saying, "Okay, uh my Zechariah is is God saying, "Okay, uh my Zechariah is is God saying, "Okay, uh my temple is laying in ruin like and you temple is laying in ruin like and you temple is laying in ruin like and you guys are building your houses. Let's get guys are building your houses. Let's get guys are building your houses. Let's get back focused on on right priorities." back focused on on right priorities." back focused on on right priorities." And then as you said, there can be the And then as you said, there can be the And then as you said, there can be the complaining, there can be the grumbling complaining, there can be the grumbling complaining, there can be the grumbling and whatnot. And as soon as you said and whatnot. And as soon as you said and whatnot. And as soon as you said that, I was immediately transported back that, I was immediately transported back that, I was immediately transported back to pretty much the whole rest of the Old to pretty much the whole rest of the Old to pretty much the whole rest of the Old Testament as we've talked about Testament as we've talked about Testament as we've talked about [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] because we just follow the Israelites because we just follow the Israelites because we just follow the Israelites through this constant cycle of of being, through this constant cycle of of being, through this constant cycle of of being, yes, God, we yes, we humble ourselves yes, God, we yes, we humble ourselves yes, God, we yes, we humble ourselves before you. We will do what you ask. And before you. We will do what you ask. And before you. We will do what you ask. And then the wh and then the complaining and then the wh and then the complaining and then the wh and then the complaining and then the yes God and then the then the yes God and then the then the yes God and then the complaining. And so even this God is complaining. And so even this God is complaining. And so even this God is bringing people back to Jerusalem. He's bringing people back to Jerusalem. He's bringing people back to Jerusalem. He's bringing them back out of exile. And yet bringing them back out of exile. And yet bringing them back out of exile. And yet there's still complaining to be had.

there's still complaining to be had. there's still complaining to be had. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Yes. That's right. And uh that I think >> Yes. That's right. And uh that I think >> Yes. That's right. And uh that I think anticipates anticipates anticipates New Testament complaining about what God New Testament complaining about what God New Testament complaining about what God is doing through Christ. is doing through Christ. is doing through Christ. >> Yes. Yes. Exactly right. So okay. So now >> Yes. Yes. Exactly right. So okay. So now >> Yes. Yes. Exactly right. So okay. So now I get to give you the perhaps difficult I get to give you the perhaps difficult I get to give you the perhaps difficult challenge of how would you describe the challenge of how would you describe the challenge of how would you describe the book of Malachi in one sentence? book of Malachi in one sentence? book of Malachi in one sentence? >> Sure. Uh God assures his people that he loves Uh God assures his people that he loves them but the people find it hard to believe. but the people find it hard to believe. M M M I love how you focused in with that I love how you focused in with that I love how you focused in with that sentence on that relationship between sentence on that relationship between sentence on that relationship between God and his people and how and how God and his people and how and how God and his people and how and how personal that is. God personal that is. God personal that is. God >> assures his people that he loves them, >> assures his people that he loves them, >> assures his people that he loves them, but the people find that hard to but the people find that hard to but the people find that hard to believe. That's just that's such a believe. That's just that's such a believe. That's just that's such a picture of picture of picture of even today even sometimes how we can even today even sometimes how we can even today even sometimes how we can wrestle w with God and with and with wrestle w with God and with and with wrestle w with God and with and with that like God your word tells me you that like God your word tells me you that like God your word tells me you love me. I've I've seen this in my life love me. I've I've seen this in my life love me. I've I've seen this in my life and yet I still struggle sometimes. And and yet I still struggle sometimes. And and yet I still struggle sometimes. And so I I love how that sentence really so I I love how that sentence really so I I love how that sentence really captures captures captures >> that really at the heart of this book of >> that really at the heart of this book of >> that really at the heart of this book of Malachi is such this personal Malachi is such this personal Malachi is such this personal connection, this deep relational connection, this deep relational connection, this deep relational connection between God and his people.

connection between God and his people. connection between God and his people. And that's really kind of a big theme And that's really kind of a big theme And that's really kind of a big theme that we're going to be getting into. Is that we're going to be getting into. Is that we're going to be getting into. Is that right? that right? that right? >> Yes, that's right. Well, it's the first >> Yes, that's right. Well, it's the first >> Yes, that's right. Well, it's the first God's first words. God's first words. God's first words. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> In the book uh one chapter 1 verse two, >> In the book uh one chapter 1 verse two, >> In the book uh one chapter 1 verse two, I have loved you. M I have loved you. M I have loved you. M >> um and of course that's not just saying >> um and of course that's not just saying >> um and of course that's not just saying God just saying I love you now. It's God just saying I love you now. It's God just saying I love you now. It's saying I have loved you. I'm a covenant saying I have loved you. I'm a covenant saying I have loved you. I'm a covenant promise-making God, a covenant keeping promise-making God, a covenant keeping promise-making God, a covenant keeping God. I chose you and as as that theme God. I chose you and as as that theme God. I chose you and as as that theme develops through the Old Testament, we develops through the Old Testament, we develops through the Old Testament, we learn again and again that it's not learn again and again that it's not learn again and again that it's not because of people's worthiness because of people's worthiness because of people's worthiness uh you weren't a great people. I loved uh you weren't a great people. I loved uh you weren't a great people. I loved you. Ezekiel, you were in desperate you. Ezekiel, you were in desperate you. Ezekiel, you were in desperate state state and I loved you. state state and I loved you. state state and I loved you. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh and then the remarkable thing is um >> Uh and then the remarkable thing is um >> Uh and then the remarkable thing is um that God then quotes their words that God then quotes their words that God then quotes their words which contradict his words. Yeah.

which contradict his words. Yeah. which contradict his words. Yeah. >> Well, not quite contradict. Uh I have >> Well, not quite contradict. Uh I have >> Well, not quite contradict. Uh I have loved you says the Lord, but you ask how loved you says the Lord, but you ask how loved you says the Lord, but you ask how have you loved us? have you loved us? have you loved us? And uh I think that kind the how And uh I think that kind the how And uh I think that kind the how question how have you done this? Give us question how have you done this? Give us question how have you done this? Give us the evidence the evidence the evidence >> doesn't have >> doesn't have >> doesn't have it doesn't have the the nerve to say no it doesn't have the the nerve to say no it doesn't have the the nerve to say no you haven't. you haven't. you haven't. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh it's saying well show us how >> Uh it's saying well show us how >> Uh it's saying well show us how give us give us more of what we want. give us give us more of what we want. give us give us more of what we want. >> Yeah. I I think you're exactly right. >> Yeah. I I think you're exactly right. >> Yeah. I I think you're exactly right. and and that really that little start and and that really that little start and and that really that little start really does set up where the people are really does set up where the people are really does set up where the people are at and what we're going to see through at and what we're going to see through at and what we're going to see through the rest of this of this book. Um, I the rest of this of this book. Um, I the rest of this of this book. Um, I love that it starts that way. I couldn't love that it starts that way. I couldn't love that it starts that way. I couldn't help but think of the I have always help but think of the I have always help but think of the I have always loved you first quote as being sung by loved you first quote as being sung by loved you first quote as being sung by Whitney Houston and I will always love Whitney Houston and I will always love Whitney Houston and I will always love you. But but that's that that's a you. But but that's that that's a you. But but that's that that's a tangent. tangent. tangent. >> Yes. Yeah. [laughter] >> Yes. Yeah. [laughter] >> Yes. Yeah. [laughter] >> Um, okay. So, we got four chapters with >> Um, okay. So, we got four chapters with >> Um, okay. So, we got four chapters with the book of Malachi. Can you walk us the book of Malachi. Can you walk us the book of Malachi. Can you walk us through the trajectory flow of this through the trajectory flow of this through the trajectory flow of this book? What happens from chapter 1 to book? What happens from chapter 1 to book? What happens from chapter 1 to chapter 4?

chapter 4? chapter 4? >> Yeah. Well, uh >> Yeah. Well, uh >> Yeah. Well, uh God, uh God God says, "I've loved you." God, uh God God says, "I've loved you." God, uh God God says, "I've loved you." But uh but you ask, "How have you loved But uh but you ask, "How have you loved But uh but you ask, "How have you loved us?" Uh the answer is us?" Uh the answer is us?" Uh the answer is well um consider your election, your well um consider your election, your well um consider your election, your call to faith, my choice of you over call to faith, my choice of you over call to faith, my choice of you over Esau Edom. Uh that's how much I love Esau Edom. Uh that's how much I love Esau Edom. Uh that's how much I love you. You haven't been destroyed. you. You haven't been destroyed. you. You haven't been destroyed. >> And then the conversation goes on when >> And then the conversation goes on when >> And then the conversation goes on when God is pointing out uh again and again God is pointing out uh again and again God is pointing out uh again and again [clears throat] what their sin is. Uh so [clears throat] what their sin is. Uh so [clears throat] what their sin is. Uh so one six a son honors his father a slave one six a son honors his father a slave one six a son honors his father a slave his master [gasps] his master [gasps] his master [gasps] uh if I'm a master where's the respect uh if I'm a master where's the respect uh if I'm a master where's the respect due to me it's you priests he goes for due to me it's you priests he goes for due to me it's you priests he goes for the leaders now who show contempt for my the leaders now who show contempt for my the leaders now who show contempt for my name but they they reply with a question name but they they reply with a question name but they they reply with a question they they don't say no they say how have they they don't say no they say how have they they don't say no they say how have we shown contempt for your name so prove we shown contempt for your name so prove we shown contempt for your name so prove it it it >> how how >> how how >> how how >> yeah that's right go on if you're such a >> yeah that's right go on if you're such a >> yeah that's right go on if you're such a great god just show how you've done great god just show how you've done great god just show how you've done Um and so God uh God does explain uh Um and so God uh God does explain uh Um and so God uh God does explain uh um uh he he he says by offering defiled um uh he he he says by offering defiled um uh he he he says by offering defiled food on my altar. So they return with food on my altar. So they return with food on my altar. So they return with there how have we defiled it. Um so so there how have we defiled it. Um so so there how have we defiled it. Um so so God has to keep on uh explaining to God has to keep on uh explaining to God has to keep on uh explaining to people

people people uh the significance of their actions uh the significance of their actions uh the significance of their actions >> in the light of his love. uh you you profane my name uh you you profane my name um um um and you say uh 112 and you say and you say uh 112 and you say and you say uh 112 and you say well well you say the Lord's table is well well you say the Lord's table is well well you say the Lord's table is defiled and the food is contemptable defiled and the food is contemptable defiled and the food is contemptable what a burden and you sniff at it so um what a burden and you sniff at it so um what a burden and you sniff at it so um that that that if you've raised teenagers this is very if you've raised teenagers this is very if you've raised teenagers this is very like raising teenagers I think um I like raising teenagers I think um I like raising teenagers I think um I remember my dad used to try to convince remember my dad used to try to convince remember my dad used to try to convince me to to mow the lawn. Uh, and I me to to mow the lawn. Uh, and I me to to mow the lawn. Uh, and I wouldn't have the nerve to say no, but wouldn't have the nerve to say no, but wouldn't have the nerve to say no, but I'd ask questions like, "Isn't it too I'd ask questions like, "Isn't it too I'd ask questions like, "Isn't it too wet?" or "Isn't it too dry?" or "Is the wet?" or "Isn't it too dry?" or "Is the wet?" or "Isn't it too dry?" or "Is the glass long enough?" It wasn't quite as glass long enough?" It wasn't quite as glass long enough?" It wasn't quite as rude as these people, but the kind of rude as these people, but the kind of rude as these people, but the kind of delaying delaying avoiding questions.

delaying delaying avoiding questions. delaying delaying avoiding questions. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And an avoiding attitude. >> And an avoiding attitude. >> And an avoiding attitude. >> I don't have teenagers yet. Uh but >> I don't have teenagers yet. Uh but >> I don't have teenagers yet. Uh but you're making it sound like it's you're making it sound like it's you're making it sound like it's something to look forward to. [laughter] >> Uh and again in chapter end of chapter >> Uh and again in chapter end of chapter 2, you've wearied the Lord 2, you've wearied the Lord 2, you've wearied the Lord uh with your words. Well, how have we uh with your words. Well, how have we uh with your words. Well, how have we wearied him? So again and again uh he's wearied him? So again and again uh he's wearied him? So again and again uh he's trying to point out the significance of trying to point out the significance of trying to point out the significance of their actions and words their actions and words their actions and words in the light of their attitude to him. in the light of their attitude to him. in the light of their attitude to him. [clears throat] that is they their lives [clears throat] that is they their lives [clears throat] that is they their lives may be they may think we're doing well may be they may think we're doing well may be they may think we're doing well enough enough enough but the question is what is their but the question is what is their but the question is what is their attitude to God? attitude to God? attitude to God? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And his declared >> And his declared >> And his declared and enacted love. and enacted love. and enacted love. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Uh >> Uh >> Uh again in chapter three uh will a mere again in chapter three uh will a mere again in chapter three uh will a mere mortal rob God yet you rob me. But we mortal rob God yet you rob me. But we mortal rob God yet you rob me. But we but you ask how are we robbing robbing but you ask how are we robbing robbing but you ask how are we robbing robbing you?

you? you? uh by not g giving your full tithes. uh by not g giving your full tithes. uh by not g giving your full tithes. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh arrogant against me. arrogant against me. Uh Uh Uh you've said what what have we said you've said what what have we said you've said what what have we said against you? And I think that's most against you? And I think that's most against you? And I think that's most revealing because revealing because revealing because uh God is quoting their words back to uh God is quoting their words back to uh God is quoting their words back to him. You've said it's futile to serve him. You've said it's futile to serve him. You've said it's futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his God. What do we gain by carrying out his God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements? requirements? requirements? Now we call the arrogant blessed. Now we call the arrogant blessed. Now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper. Even when Certainly evildoers prosper. Even when Certainly evildoers prosper. Even when they put God to the test, they get away they put God to the test, they get away they put God to the test, they get away with it. with it. with it. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Well, the moment you've said that, >> Well, the moment you've said that, >> Well, the moment you've said that, you're about to commit the same sin you're about to commit the same sin you're about to commit the same sin because because because the arrogant have got away with it. the arrogant have got away with it. the arrogant have got away with it. We'll get away with it. We'll get away with it. We'll get away with it. >> And it's the uh the trouble with these >> And it's the uh the trouble with these >> And it's the uh the trouble with these words is that they're so so corrosive words is that they're so so corrosive words is that they're so so corrosive for the community. for the community. for the community. So the problem in Malachi is not the So the problem in Malachi is not the So the problem in Malachi is not the sins of individuals. It's the accepted sins of individuals. It's the accepted sins of individuals. It's the accepted sins of the community if you like the sins of the community if you like the sins of the community if you like the corporate sins. I don't mean big corporate sins. I don't mean big corporate sins. I don't mean big business. I mean business. I mean business. I mean >> yeah.

>> And once it becomes acceptable to say >> And once it becomes acceptable to say uh it's futile to serve God. uh it's futile to serve God. uh it's futile to serve God. Every time somebody says that, seven Every time somebody says that, seven Every time somebody says that, seven other people will think, "Yeah, well, it other people will think, "Yeah, well, it other people will think, "Yeah, well, it probably is futile to serve God." probably is futile to serve God." probably is futile to serve God." >> And that's how they'll view the world. >> And that's how they'll view the world. >> And that's how they'll view the world. That's how they'll view God. And they'll That's how they'll view God. And they'll That's how they'll view God. And they'll say it to somebody else. It really is say it to somebody else. It really is say it to somebody else. It really is futile serving God. You know what's the futile serving God. You know what's the futile serving God. You know what's the benefit? Show us any benefit. And once benefit? Show us any benefit. And once benefit? Show us any benefit. And once talk like that goes around a nation or talk like that goes around a nation or talk like that goes around a nation or indeed a church today, indeed a church today, indeed a church today, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> the whole level of obedience and love of >> the whole level of obedience and love of >> the whole level of obedience and love of God just goes down and down and down. God just goes down and down and down. God just goes down and down and down. >> So >> So >> So it it it's bad to say to God to it it it's bad to say to God to it it it's bad to say to God to contradict God or to avoid what God's contradict God or to avoid what God's contradict God or to avoid what God's saying, but it's worse actually to say saying, but it's worse actually to say saying, but it's worse actually to say these words to others. M these words to others. M these words to others. M >> so I often think you know if a church is >> so I often think you know if a church is >> so I often think you know if a church is prayerless prayerless prayerless uh the prayer warriors are discouraged. uh the prayer warriors are discouraged. uh the prayer warriors are discouraged. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And and the young people learn that >> And and the young people learn that >> And and the young people learn that prayerlessness is the norm and new prayerlessness is the norm and new prayerlessness is the norm and new Christians learn that prayerlessness is Christians learn that prayerlessness is Christians learn that prayerlessness is the norm. And prayerlessness spreads by the norm. And prayerlessness spreads by the norm. And prayerlessness spreads by saying, "Well, I really don't have time saying, "Well, I really don't have time saying, "Well, I really don't have time for it nowadays." Or, "Oh, well, you for it nowadays." Or, "Oh, well, you for it nowadays." Or, "Oh, well, you know, I pray occasionally when we're in know, I pray occasionally when we're in know, I pray occasionally when we're in trouble and things like that, and trouble and things like that, and trouble and things like that, and parents don't pray with their children, parents don't pray with their children, parents don't pray with their children, and friends don't pray together, and and friends don't pray together, and and friends don't pray together, and husbands and wives don't pray together."

husbands and wives don't pray together." husbands and wives don't pray together." And that kind of shared the shared value And that kind of shared the shared value And that kind of shared the shared value of prayerlessness is well, it's it's of prayerlessness is well, it's it's of prayerlessness is well, it's it's dreadful. dreadful. dreadful. >> Yeah. On the other hand, if you have a a >> Yeah. On the other hand, if you have a a >> Yeah. On the other hand, if you have a a prayerful church, everyone is encouraged prayerful church, everyone is encouraged prayerful church, everyone is encouraged to pray and challenged to pray and young to pray and challenged to pray and young to pray and challenged to pray and young people learn to pray and new Christians people learn to pray and new Christians people learn to pray and new Christians learn to pray. learn to pray. learn to pray. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, I think the biggest problem in a >> So, I think the biggest problem in a >> So, I think the biggest problem in a church is the shared sins of the of the church is the shared sins of the of the church is the shared sins of the of the people of the congregation people of the congregation people of the congregation >> and that that's the most powerful >> and that that's the most powerful >> and that that's the most powerful influence on the individuals in the influence on the individuals in the influence on the individuals in the congregation. congregation. congregation. M M M >> so so the question is not so not only >> so so the question is not so not only >> so so the question is not so not only how have I loved God or how do I know how have I loved God or how do I know how have I loved God or how do I know that God loves me but are we sure as a that God loves me but are we sure as a that God loves me but are we sure as a as the body of Christ as the body of Christ as the body of Christ as the church of God that he has loved as the church of God that he has loved as the church of God that he has loved us. us. us. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I was thinking [clears throat] I was thinking [clears throat] I was thinking [clears throat] the picture that that I got in my mind the picture that that I got in my mind the picture that that I got in my mind as you were talking specifically about as you were talking specifically about as you were talking specifically about the prayer piece. A and having that the prayer piece. A and having that the prayer piece. A and having that prayer culture is this ide is is is this prayer culture is this ide is is is this prayer culture is this ide is is is this idea of a a a church that does not idea of a a a church that does not idea of a a a church that does not have a strong culture and practice of have a strong culture and practice of have a strong culture and practice of prayer is prayer is prayer is it's like having atrophied legs. It it's like having atrophied legs. It it's like having atrophied legs. It doesn't have the strength to stand on doesn't have the strength to stand on doesn't have the strength to stand on its own.

its own. its own. And and so having that prayer culture is And and so having that prayer culture is And and so having that prayer culture is is is is like an exercise of a type. is is is like an exercise of a type. is is is like an exercise of a type. It's it's a nutrition of a type that It's it's a nutrition of a type that It's it's a nutrition of a type that builds up your strength as a community builds up your strength as a community builds up your strength as a community as as as a as as a corporate body and as as as a as as a corporate body and as as as a as as a corporate body and and then you can stand and do you know and then you can stand and do you know and then you can stand and do you know and have that firmer foundation of you and have that firmer foundation of you and have that firmer foundation of you know the strength and legs for God. Um know the strength and legs for God. Um know the strength and legs for God. Um anyway that was just a picture that that anyway that was just a picture that that anyway that was just a picture that that I got. So, so this idea of corporate I got. So, so this idea of corporate I got. So, so this idea of corporate sin, what this is talking about, I think sin, what this is talking about, I think sin, what this is talking about, I think you're so right to point out that it is you're so right to point out that it is you're so right to point out that it is um an undisussed um an undisussed um an undisussed reality so often u and that idea that reality so often u and that idea that reality so often u and that idea that that we are called yes to be held that we are called yes to be held that we are called yes to be held accountable individually too, but as a accountable individually too, but as a accountable individually too, but as a body to recognize the things that we are body to recognize the things that we are body to recognize the things that we are allowing to pass, allowing to go or to allowing to pass, allowing to go or to allowing to pass, allowing to go or to not emphasizing thing. Um because it not emphasizing thing. Um because it not emphasizing thing. Um because it could also be the sin of omittance of could also be the sin of omittance of could also be the sin of omittance of just saying that just um and so um I I just saying that just um and so um I I just saying that just um and so um I I love how this book uh really wants to love how this book uh really wants to love how this book uh really wants to point that out. Um point that out. Um point that out. Um >> yeah.

>> yeah. >> yeah. >> Yes. and uh coupled coupled with um the >> Yes. and uh coupled coupled with um the >> Yes. and uh coupled coupled with um the prayerlessness is um prayerlessness is um prayerlessness is um a a congregation where God's word is not a a congregation where God's word is not a a congregation where God's word is not honored and received. So honored and received. So honored and received. So >> you you might have a wonderful preacher >> you you might have a wonderful preacher >> you you might have a wonderful preacher but and people are proud of the but and people are proud of the but and people are proud of the wonderful preacher but if you ask the wonderful preacher but if you ask the wonderful preacher but if you ask the question uh is God changing your life by question uh is God changing your life by question uh is God changing your life by his word his word his word and equally important I think is um and equally important I think is um and equally important I think is um [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] uh you know Colossians 3:16 let the word uh you know Colossians 3:16 let the word uh you know Colossians 3:16 let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you of Christ dwell in you richly as you of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another. teach and admonish one another. teach and admonish one another. >> Yeah. Well, I think here in Australia, >> Yeah. Well, I think here in Australia, >> Yeah. Well, I think here in Australia, our friendships are pretty frag even our friendships are pretty frag even our friendships are pretty frag even Christian friendships are pretty Christian friendships are pretty Christian friendships are pretty fragile. And we fragile. And we fragile. And we >> we may do listening and sympathy. We >> we may do listening and sympathy. We >> we may do listening and sympathy. We don't we rarely do teaching and don't we rarely do teaching and don't we rarely do teaching and encouraging or exhorting our fellow encouraging or exhorting our fellow encouraging or exhorting our fellow believers with the word of God.

believers with the word of God. believers with the word of God. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, we provide social support >> So, we provide social support >> So, we provide social support >> uh [snorts] to fellow believers. >> uh [snorts] to fellow believers. >> uh [snorts] to fellow believers. >> Mhm. But it's not often bringing the >> Mhm. But it's not often bringing the >> Mhm. But it's not often bringing the challenge or encouragement challenge or encouragement challenge or encouragement or excitement of the word of God to each or excitement of the word of God to each or excitement of the word of God to each other. other. other. >> I I can I can say from this side of the >> I I can I can say from this side of the >> I I can I can say from this side of the ocean that there's a similar reality of ocean that there's a similar reality of ocean that there's a similar reality of the fragility. I I like how you phrase the fragility. I I like how you phrase the fragility. I I like how you phrase that about the fragility of that about the fragility of that about the fragility of relationships. relationships. relationships. And you know, I think I think we've seen And you know, I think I think we've seen And you know, I think I think we've seen how that uh has been, you know, exposed, how that uh has been, you know, exposed, how that uh has been, you know, exposed, but also just it's a part of the but also just it's a part of the but also just it's a part of the unfortunate reality we're in with the unfortunate reality we're in with the unfortunate reality we're in with the isolationness, the loneliness epidemic isolationness, the loneliness epidemic isolationness, the loneliness epidemic pieces. And so that reenouragement to pieces. And so that reenouragement to pieces. And so that reenouragement to that that relationships are not just that that relationships are not just that that relationships are not just biblical, but they're like God or like biblical, but they're like God or like biblical, but they're like God or like God designed people to to live together. God designed people to to live together. God designed people to to live together. Um, and that when we Um, and that when we Um, and that when we >> truly have those deep relationships from >> truly have those deep relationships from >> truly have those deep relationships from a place of love for one another that we a place of love for one another that we a place of love for one another that we should not fear admonishment or should not fear admonishment or should not fear admonishment or exhortation or encouragement. Um, exhortation or encouragement. Um, exhortation or encouragement. Um, >> a lot of times we, you know, as a result >> a lot of times we, you know, as a result >> a lot of times we, you know, as a result of the fragileness, it's like, whoa, I of the fragileness, it's like, whoa, I of the fragileness, it's like, whoa, I don't want to be a part like like you're don't want to be a part like like you're don't want to be a part like like you're speaking. I don't like how you're saying speaking. I don't like how you're saying speaking. I don't like how you're saying that to me or or I didn't invite you that to me or or I didn't invite you that to me or or I didn't invite you into that. and then then you break up into that. and then then you break up into that. and then then you break up the relationship and it goes away rather the relationship and it goes away rather the relationship and it goes away rather than being able to spend the time and

than being able to spend the time and than being able to spend the time and investment with one another so that you investment with one another so that you investment with one another so that you can speak to to these harder truths, can speak to to these harder truths, can speak to to these harder truths, these harder things and bring in as you these harder things and bring in as you these harder things and bring in as you said from Colossians that admonishment said from Colossians that admonishment said from Colossians that admonishment from the word towards one another um as from the word towards one another um as from the word towards one another um as an act of brotherly love rather than as an act of brotherly love rather than as an act of brotherly love rather than as um as a criticism or as an attack. It's um as a criticism or as an attack. It's um as a criticism or as an attack. It's not um it's it's it should be out of not um it's it's it should be out of not um it's it's it should be out of love. So anyway, that's a whole love. So anyway, that's a whole love. So anyway, that's a whole [laughter] I I can speak a lot to that [laughter] I I can speak a lot to that [laughter] I I can speak a lot to that because there's so much there, because there's so much there, because there's so much there, >> but that's what we're seeing from this >> but that's what we're seeing from this >> but that's what we're seeing from this book. And that's kind of the point we're book. And that's kind of the point we're book. And that's kind of the point we're talking about is is this call to talking about is is this call to talking about is is this call to faithfulness is is this constant faithfulness is is this constant faithfulness is is this constant reminder of God saying, I like I have reminder of God saying, I like I have reminder of God saying, I like I have brought you here back to this place. I brought you here back to this place. I brought you here back to this place. I have been your God. I have shown you have been your God. I have shown you have been your God. I have shown you this throughout history. And yet still this throughout history. And yet still this throughout history. And yet still you grumble. And that grumbling is you grumble. And that grumbling is you grumble. And that grumbling is spreading and it's resulting in a spreading and it's resulting in a spreading and it's resulting in a community of people that are questioning community of people that are questioning community of people that are questioning my relationship with you. And it's an my relationship with you. And it's an my relationship with you. And it's an and and so that's what leads to then and and so that's what leads to then and and so that's what leads to then those coming days of judgment pieces and those coming days of judgment pieces and those coming days of judgment pieces and those calls to repentance that the book those calls to repentance that the book those calls to repentance that the book ends with. We spend a lot of time on ends with. We spend a lot of time on ends with. We spend a lot of time on that theme of the corporate sin piece, that theme of the corporate sin piece, that theme of the corporate sin piece, which is great. That that that ties into which is great. That that that ties into which is great. That that that ties into the question I usually ask ask next the question I usually ask ask next the question I usually ask ask next about major themes of this book. Are about major themes of this book. Are about major themes of this book. Are there any other themes that you wanted there any other themes that you wanted there any other themes that you wanted to make sure to to speak about here to make sure to to speak about here to make sure to to speak about here right now?

right now? right now? >> Yes, I I do want to say that that the >> Yes, I I do want to say that that the >> Yes, I I do want to say that that the the I think the highlight of the book is the I think the highlight of the book is the I think the highlight of the book is uh 3:16 to 18 because we find that there uh 3:16 to 18 because we find that there uh 3:16 to 18 because we find that there are a a faithful remnant. are a a faithful remnant. are a a faithful remnant. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh those who feared the Lord talked with >> Uh those who feared the Lord talked with >> Uh those who feared the Lord talked with each other. each other. each other. >> In other words, they talked together >> In other words, they talked together >> In other words, they talked together about this message. about this message. about this message. >> Yeah. and its significance for them. >> Yeah. and its significance for them. >> Yeah. and its significance for them. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] And the Lord listened and heard that is And the Lord listened and heard that is And the Lord listened and heard that is he heard their positive words. What a he heard their positive words. What a he heard their positive words. What a relief it must have been [laughter] when relief it must have been [laughter] when relief it must have been [laughter] when all he's heard has been have been all he's heard has been have been all he's heard has been have been complaints complaints complaints >> to suddenly hear believers, if we can >> to suddenly hear believers, if we can >> to suddenly hear believers, if we can put it that way, are gathering together put it that way, are gathering together put it that way, are gathering together uh talking with each other and here but he wrote a scroll of here but he wrote a scroll of remembrance was written. In other words, remembrance was written. In other words, remembrance was written. In other words, these these are these are recorded in these these are these are recorded in these these are these are recorded in God's mind if you like God's mind if you like God's mind if you like >> as people of special honor and >> as people of special honor and >> as people of special honor and [clears throat] praise and delight.

[clears throat] praise and delight. [clears throat] praise and delight. And his promise is on the day when I act And his promise is on the day when I act And his promise is on the day when I act in that is in the midst of the judgment in that is in the midst of the judgment in that is in the midst of the judgment and so on, they will be my treasured and so on, they will be my treasured and so on, they will be my treasured possession. possession. possession. >> Yeah. And uh I don't know if you've had >> Yeah. And uh I don't know if you've had >> Yeah. And uh I don't know if you've had had this happen to you, but uh often a had this happen to you, but uh often a had this happen to you, but uh often a kind of perhaps a three-year-old or a kind of perhaps a three-year-old or a kind of perhaps a three-year-old or a fouryear-old will come and show you fouryear-old will come and show you fouryear-old will come and show you their treasured possession. You know, it their treasured possession. You know, it their treasured possession. You know, it might be a dead bird or, you [laughter] might be a dead bird or, you [laughter] might be a dead bird or, you [laughter] know, a leaf which has got crushed in know, a leaf which has got crushed in know, a leaf which has got crushed in the process. the process. the process. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But they say, "I I want to show you my >> But they say, "I I want to show you my >> But they say, "I I want to show you my treasured possession." You say, "Oh, I'd treasured possession." You say, "Oh, I'd treasured possession." You say, "Oh, I'd love to see that." And then they show it love to see that." And then they show it love to see that." And then they show it to you. And I think how extraordinary to to you. And I think how extraordinary to to you. And I think how extraordinary to find people described as God's treasured find people described as God's treasured find people described as God's treasured possession. possession. possession. >> Amazing. And I spare them. That is I I >> Amazing. And I spare them. That is I I >> Amazing. And I spare them. That is I I won't judge them. And you'll see then won't judge them. And you'll see then won't judge them. And you'll see then the distinction between the righteous the distinction between the righteous the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, those who serve God and and the wicked, those who serve God and and the wicked, those who serve God and those who don't. those who don't. those who don't. >> Yeah. Oh, >> Yeah. Oh, >> Yeah. Oh, >> it's a bit like being written in your >> it's a bit like being written in your >> it's a bit like being written in your name written in the Lamb's book of life, name written in the Lamb's book of life, name written in the Lamb's book of life, isn't it?

isn't it? isn't it? Oh, it's it's such a I'm so glad that Oh, it's it's such a I'm so glad that Oh, it's it's such a I'm so glad that you pointed that section out you pointed that section out you pointed that section out specifically because it is so beautiful specifically because it is so beautiful specifically because it is so beautiful and your illustration is like right in and your illustration is like right in and your illustration is like right in my wheelhouse. I have four kids. Uh my wheelhouse. I have four kids. Uh my wheelhouse. I have four kids. Uh oldest is age seven and lower. So, that oldest is age seven and lower. So, that oldest is age seven and lower. So, that idea of special possessions or treasure, idea of special possessions or treasure, idea of special possessions or treasure, it's like speaking right to me. it's like speaking right to me. it's like speaking right to me. Thankfully, they haven't brought me any Thankfully, they haven't brought me any Thankfully, they haven't brought me any dead birds, but dead birds, but dead birds, but >> maybe if they listen to this, they'll >> maybe if they listen to this, they'll >> maybe if they listen to this, they'll get ideas. But but yes, I'm well get ideas. But but yes, I'm well get ideas. But but yes, I'm well [laughter] I'm I'm well used to the idea [laughter] I'm I'm well used to the idea [laughter] I'm I'm well used to the idea of their special possession and to think of their special possession and to think of their special possession and to think of again I love that picture that that of again I love that picture that that of again I love that picture that that God continues to present in terms of God continues to present in terms of God continues to present in terms of relational being in terms of of being relational being in terms of of being relational being in terms of of being like a family because you can picture like a family because you can picture like a family because you can picture that a a a father a mother can picture that a a a father a mother can picture that a a a father a mother can picture that relationship with their child and that relationship with their child and that relationship with their child and and how the child sees things as special and how the child sees things as special and how the child sees things as special and how we can see our children as and how we can see our children as and how we can see our children as special and that's how God sees us. special and that's how God sees us. special and that's how God sees us. That's just such a beautiful picture, That's just such a beautiful picture, That's just such a beautiful picture, especially in light of everything else especially in light of everything else especially in light of everything else that we read through the prophet book. that we read through the prophet book. that we read through the prophet book. Uh like it's so it's so great to always Uh like it's so it's so great to always Uh like it's so it's so great to always be able to come back to this to cling to be able to come back to this to cling to be able to come back to this to cling to this idea of how God sees us.

this idea of how God sees us. this idea of how God sees us. >> Yeah. And so his his word is fulfilled. >> Yeah. And so his his word is fulfilled. >> Yeah. And so his his word is fulfilled. I have loved you. And they know they I have loved you. And they know they I have loved you. And they know they know they're loved and reassured. know they're loved and reassured. know they're loved and reassured. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> that's it's beautiful. I love that. So, >> that's it's beautiful. I love that. So, >> that's it's beautiful. I love that. So, so we kind of got into this a little bit so we kind of got into this a little bit so we kind of got into this a little bit here, but I I want to I want to prop you here, but I I want to I want to prop you here, but I I want to I want to prop you up anyway. What does this book What does up anyway. What does this book What does up anyway. What does this book What does Malachi teach us about God? Malachi teach us about God? Malachi teach us about God? >> Well, uh it teaches us >> Well, uh it teaches us >> Well, uh it teaches us that uh when God that uh when God that uh when God uh promises [clears throat] uh promises [clears throat] uh promises [clears throat] something, he fulfills it. God is a something, he fulfills it. God is a something, he fulfills it. God is a promise making and a promisekeeping God. promise making and a promisekeeping God. promise making and a promisekeeping God. He's a covenant God. He's a covenant God. He's a covenant God. And the main thing he's saying in this And the main thing he's saying in this And the main thing he's saying in this book and in the scriptures I think is book and in the scriptures I think is book and in the scriptures I think is that uh whatever else happens to us we that uh whatever else happens to us we that uh whatever else happens to us we can trust his love. can trust his love. can trust his love. Um and of course Um and of course Um and of course uh from the perspective of the New uh from the perspective of the New uh from the perspective of the New Testament we we know that even more Testament we we know that even more Testament we we know that even more clearly clearly clearly >> uh [clears throat] because God loved us >> uh [clears throat] because God loved us >> uh [clears throat] because God loved us and sent his son as the propitiation for and sent his son as the propitiation for and sent his son as the propitiation for our sins. So um [clears throat] uh this our sins. So um [clears throat] uh this our sins. So um [clears throat] uh this is the greatest love that anybody can is the greatest love that anybody can is the greatest love that anybody can have for the world. Uh sometimes we have for the world. Uh sometimes we have for the world. Uh sometimes we think uh that God is the God the father think uh that God is the God the father think uh that God is the God the father is the judge and Jesus is the one who is the judge and Jesus is the one who is the judge and Jesus is the one who loves us.

loves us. loves us. But actually John 3:16 says God so loved But actually John 3:16 says God so loved But actually John 3:16 says God so loved the world. the world. the world. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That he gave his only begotten son. So >> That he gave his only begotten son. So >> That he gave his only begotten son. So it's not just that Jesus loves us though it's not just that Jesus loves us though it's not just that Jesus loves us though that's wonderful. It is that God loves that's wonderful. It is that God loves that's wonderful. It is that God loves us. us. us. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> God father, son and spirit loves us. >> God father, son and spirit loves us. >> God father, son and spirit loves us. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> God loves us. He sent his son >> God loves us. He sent his son >> God loves us. He sent his son uh to die for us and he sent his spirit uh to die for us and he sent his spirit uh to die for us and he sent his spirit to live within us. to live within us. to live within us. uh so uh so uh so [snorts] uh in a sense is to discover that we're loved by God is to discover that we're loved by God >> and to discover that loving God. >> and to discover that loving God. >> and to discover that loving God. >> Yeah. I wanted to note too just quickly about I wanted to note too just quickly about how this this book is used a lot to talk how this this book is used a lot to talk how this this book is used a lot to talk um when people are teaching about um when people are teaching about um when people are teaching about tithing uh because that whole you know tithing uh because that whole you know tithing uh because that whole you know the first chapter talks a lot about this the first chapter talks a lot about this the first chapter talks a lot about this how you know how how have I defiled you how you know how how have I defiled you how you know how how have I defiled you and then he gets into this whole thing and then he gets into this whole thing and then he gets into this whole thing about well you kind of gave me um some about well you kind of gave me um some about well you kind of gave me um some animals as sacrifices that that that animals as sacrifices that that that animals as sacrifices that that that weren't your best and and he talks about weren't your best and and he talks about weren't your best and and he talks about bringing uh your best to the storehouse.

bringing uh your best to the storehouse. bringing uh your best to the storehouse. And he and that verse is used a lot And he and that verse is used a lot And he and that verse is used a lot about tithing. So I I just wanted to add about tithing. So I I just wanted to add about tithing. So I I just wanted to add to this picture of what this book to this picture of what this book to this picture of what this book teaches us about God is is once again teaches us about God is is once again teaches us about God is is once again you can't cheat God. you can't cheat God. you can't cheat God. You can't skirt around the rules with You can't skirt around the rules with You can't skirt around the rules with God. It's not a you know God as as as God. It's not a you know God as as as God. It's not a you know God as as as we like to say God is looking at your we like to say God is looking at your we like to say God is looking at your heart. He knows the heart of what you heart. He knows the heart of what you heart. He knows the heart of what you are bringing before him. So if you are are bringing before him. So if you are are bringing before him. So if you are trying to get away with trying to get away with trying to get away with >> only bringing him >> only bringing him >> only bringing him >> this one and not that one or this one. >> this one and not that one or this one. >> this one and not that one or this one. God's like hey like I know and you're God's like hey like I know and you're God's like hey like I know and you're not doing the thing. And so when you say not doing the thing. And so when you say not doing the thing. And so when you say what do you mean I'm not doing the what do you mean I'm not doing the what do you mean I'm not doing the thing? He's like well let's talk about thing? He's like well let's talk about thing? He's like well let's talk about what you brought and why you chose that. what you brought and why you chose that. what you brought and why you chose that. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> That's right. It's most alarming, isn't >> That's right. It's most alarming, isn't >> That's right. It's most alarming, isn't it, that uh it, that uh it, that uh um we we learn that um sin deceives us. um we we learn that um sin deceives us. um we we learn that um sin deceives us. That is the moment you commit a sin, That is the moment you commit a sin, That is the moment you commit a sin, you're [clears throat] you're [clears throat] you're [clears throat] you're at that moment you're at that moment you're at that moment becoming blind to that sin.

becoming blind to that sin. becoming blind to that sin. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And once you've committed it, you can do >> And once you've committed it, you can do >> And once you've committed it, you can do it more easily the next time. So sin it more easily the next time. So sin it more easily the next time. So sin deceives us. deceives us. deceives us. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um our hearts deceive us >> Um our hearts deceive us >> Um our hearts deceive us >> and Satan deceives us. >> and Satan deceives us. >> and Satan deceives us. So the heart is de deceived and So the heart is de deceived and So the heart is de deceived and desperately wicked Jeremiah and Satan is desperately wicked Jeremiah and Satan is desperately wicked Jeremiah and Satan is the great deceiver the great deceiver the great deceiver >> in the book of revelation. So we're >> in the book of revelation. So we're >> in the book of revelation. So we're surrounded by internal and external surrounded by internal and external surrounded by internal and external deception [clears throat] deception [clears throat] deception [clears throat] which is why we desperately need God to which is why we desperately need God to which is why we desperately need God to show us the truth of what's going on. So show us the truth of what's going on. So show us the truth of what's going on. So we can convince ourselves that we're we can convince ourselves that we're we can convince ourselves that we're offering appropriately to God and we can offering appropriately to God and we can offering appropriately to God and we can convince other people. convince other people. convince other people. Uh but Uh but Uh but actually God loves a cheerful giver. actually God loves a cheerful giver. actually God loves a cheerful giver. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> As we learn in Corinthians and this is >> As we learn in Corinthians and this is >> As we learn in Corinthians and this is anything but anything but anything but cheerful giving. But and that's what cheerful giving. But and that's what cheerful giving. But and that's what makes the at least the start of this makes the at least the start of this makes the at least the start of this book so so special, so beautiful is him book so so special, so beautiful is him book so so special, so beautiful is him starting with I have always loved you.

starting with I have always loved you. starting with I have always loved you. It starts with his relationship to us. It starts with his relationship to us. It starts with his relationship to us. And I love that it could we can talk And I love that it could we can talk And I love that it could we can talk about the trials and tribulations that about the trials and tribulations that about the trials and tribulations that we go through with sin and those are all we go through with sin and those are all we go through with sin and those are all very true. But what God starts with is very true. But what God starts with is very true. But what God starts with is his relationship his relationship to us. his relationship his relationship to us. his relationship his relationship to us. I have always loved you. And I I I just I have always loved you. And I I I just I have always loved you. And I I I just love how he he sets that up because then love how he he sets that up because then love how he he sets that up because then it presents the rest of his case. All it presents the rest of his case. All it presents the rest of his case. All everything that's then talked about from everything that's then talked about from everything that's then talked about from is coming from that place of of is coming from that place of of is coming from that place of of knowledge and understanding knowledge and understanding knowledge and understanding >> that position of God here, us down here, >> that position of God here, us down here, >> that position of God here, us down here, you know, of saying I have always loved you know, of saying I have always loved you know, of saying I have always loved you. Um, and so when we think about you. Um, and so when we think about you. Um, and so when we think about everything else, our our sin, our everything else, our our sin, our everything else, our our sin, our relationship to God, the call to relationship to God, the call to relationship to God, the call to repentance, um, all these other pieces repentance, um, all these other pieces repentance, um, all these other pieces and we do it through that lens of and we do it through that lens of and we do it through that lens of understanding, God has always like I, understanding, God has always like I, understanding, God has always like I, you know, it I think it paints the right you know, it I think it paints the right you know, it I think it paints the right picture and it puts the puts God first, picture and it puts the puts God first, picture and it puts the puts God first, which is an important way to read the which is an important way to read the which is an important way to read the book. book. book. >> Yes, it is. And of course the very >> Yes, it is. And of course the very >> Yes, it is. And of course the very provision of sacrifices and the temple provision of sacrifices and the temple provision of sacrifices and the temple and the priests and the priests and the priests >> was a sign of his love.

>> was a sign of his love. >> was a sign of his love. >> Mh. >> Mh. >> Mh. >> And the the food they had that the food >> And the the food they had that the food >> And the the food they had that the food they had all the all the daily gifts of they had all the all the daily gifts of they had all the all the daily gifts of God were a sign of his love. So uh he God were a sign of his love. So uh he God were a sign of his love. So uh he he's a saving God and a a savior and a he's a saving God and a a savior and a he's a saving God and a a savior and a creator God who continues to bless them creator God who continues to bless them creator God who continues to bless them through creation. through creation. through creation. >> Yeah. But it's really it's really great >> Yeah. But it's really it's really great >> Yeah. But it's really it's really great important I think to ask the question uh important I think to ask the question uh important I think to ask the question uh what in our culture what in our culture what in our culture makes us ungrateful >> and so so selfcentered >> and so so selfcentered >> that we're focused on ourselves and how >> that we're focused on ourselves and how >> that we're focused on ourselves and how we feel about it not what God thinks we feel about it not what God thinks we feel about it not what God thinks about it or says about it or feels about about it or says about it or feels about about it or says about it or feels about it. It's a it. It's a it. It's a um it's a very worrying feature. I guess um it's a very worrying feature. I guess um it's a very worrying feature. I guess uh it is um uh it is um uh it is um uh uh uh found in in the um in the idea that uh found in in the um in the idea that uh found in in the um in the idea that uh you know God created us and then we you know God created us and then we you know God created us and then we created him.

created him. created him. >> Uh and but now we're our own gods. >> Uh and but now we're our own gods. >> Uh and but now we're our own gods. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So we have all the rights. >> So we have all the rights. >> So we have all the rights. A right to happiness I think is even A right to happiness I think is even A right to happiness I think is even mentioned in somebody's constitution. mentioned in somebody's constitution. mentioned in somebody's constitution. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Fair point. >> Fair point. >> Fair point. >> But it's felt very deeply, isn't it? Uh >> But it's felt very deeply, isn't it? Uh >> But it's felt very deeply, isn't it? Uh by human beings by human beings by human beings uh uh uh >> particularly I think in the west. >> particularly I think in the west. >> particularly I think in the west. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh that with all our science and >> Uh that with all our science and >> Uh that with all our science and education and all that kind of stuff, education and all that kind of stuff, education and all that kind of stuff, sophistication, sophistication, sophistication, we have a right to be happy people. we have a right to be happy people. we have a right to be happy people. I notice it in people's prayers. By the I notice it in people's prayers. By the I notice it in people's prayers. By the way, uh if you ask what can what can I way, uh if you ask what can what can I way, uh if you ask what can what can I pray for you? Most people will give you pray for you? Most people will give you pray for you? Most people will give you a list of things which are wrong in a list of things which are wrong in a list of things which are wrong in their life. their life. their life. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> In terms of illness or uh um you know >> In terms of illness or uh um you know >> In terms of illness or uh um you know [clears throat] uh potential job loss. [clears throat] uh potential job loss. [clears throat] uh potential job loss. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Which which are which are matters we can >> Which which are which are matters we can >> Which which are which are matters we can certainly bring to God. certainly bring to God. certainly bring to God. But you very rarely say to hear somebody But you very rarely say to hear somebody But you very rarely say to hear somebody say, "Well, say, "Well, say, "Well, actually the biggest problem in my life actually the biggest problem in my life actually the biggest problem in my life is my sin."

is my sin." is my sin." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But that's true for individuals and it's >> But that's true for individuals and it's >> But that's true for individuals and it's true for a church. What what hinders us true for a church. What what hinders us true for a church. What what hinders us serving God is not our lack of resources serving God is not our lack of resources serving God is not our lack of resources or lack of gifts. or lack of gifts. or lack of gifts. It's all it's all sin is the thing which It's all it's all sin is the thing which It's all it's all sin is the thing which hinders us serving God as we should. hinders us serving God as we should. hinders us serving God as we should. >> Yes. and God and God's pointing out our >> Yes. and God and God's pointing out our >> Yes. and God and God's pointing out our sin is an act of love. [laughter] sin is an act of love. [laughter] sin is an act of love. [laughter] >> It it is it's a re it's it's a >> It it is it's a re it's it's a >> It it is it's a re it's it's a refocusing refocusing refocusing on how we think of our sin. And I I I I on how we think of our sin. And I I I I on how we think of our sin. And I I I I I think you're so right that we struggle I think you're so right that we struggle I think you're so right that we struggle with this especially in a western sense with this especially in a western sense with this especially in a western sense uh as we as we struggle with with the uh as we as we struggle with with the uh as we as we struggle with with the reverse sides of pride and shame reverse sides of pride and shame reverse sides of pride and shame our our pride wants to keep us you know our our pride wants to keep us you know our our pride wants to keep us you know and say like we read from Malachi what and say like we read from Malachi what and say like we read from Malachi what do you mean how have we done this to you do you mean how have we done this to you do you mean how have we done this to you how have you that's that's the result of how have you that's that's the result of how have you that's that's the result of our our pride but it's hiding the other our our pride but it's hiding the other our our pride but it's hiding the other side which is our shame that deep down side which is our shame that deep down side which is our shame that deep down there's this it's the shame shame that's there's this it's the shame shame that's there's this it's the shame shame that's making us act out of defensiveness and making us act out of defensiveness and making us act out of defensiveness and >> defensive pride.

>> defensive pride. >> defensive pride. >> Exactly. Defensive pride. And whereas if >> Exactly. Defensive pride. And whereas if >> Exactly. Defensive pride. And whereas if we were to really truly bask and bathe we were to really truly bask and bathe we were to really truly bask and bathe in an understanding in an understanding in an understanding and acceptance that God's pointing out and acceptance that God's pointing out and acceptance that God's pointing out of sin is out of love for us. of sin is out of love for us. of sin is out of love for us. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Rather than fear of admonishment like we >> Rather than fear of admonishment like we >> Rather than fear of admonishment like we talked about or fear of judgment. talked about or fear of judgment. talked about or fear of judgment. Uh but it's out of God's love. We should Uh but it's out of God's love. We should Uh but it's out of God's love. We should in theory have a a uh more um what's the in theory have a a uh more um what's the in theory have a a uh more um what's the word? Uh word? Uh word? Uh less of a fear of having to deal with less of a fear of having to deal with less of a fear of having to deal with our sin instead of almost a an our sin instead of almost a an our sin instead of almost a an excitement of I get I'm going to do this excitement of I get I'm going to do this excitement of I get I'm going to do this with God. God wants to love me through with God. God wants to love me through with God. God wants to love me through my sin and help me through it and I get my sin and help me through it and I get my sin and help me through it and I get to do it with my brothers and sisters to do it with my brothers and sisters to do it with my brothers and sisters who love me. Um, but we tend to not do who love me. Um, but we tend to not do who love me. Um, but we tend to not do that way. [laughter] that way. [laughter] that way. [laughter] >> It tends to not be like that. There's a >> It tends to not be like that. There's a >> It tends to not be like that. There's a I'll use this opportunity. There's I'll use this opportunity. There's I'll use this opportunity. There's there's a a new book that just uh came there's a a new book that just uh came there's a a new book that just uh came out a couple of months ago from my out a couple of months ago from my out a couple of months ago from my friend Jamon Gogan called Pastoral friend Jamon Gogan called Pastoral friend Jamon Gogan called Pastoral Confessions, which is about this topic.

Confessions, which is about this topic. Confessions, which is about this topic. Um, Um, Um, >> so if if you're interested to read a >> so if if you're interested to read a >> so if if you're interested to read a little bit deeper about that, you can little bit deeper about that, you can little bit deeper about that, you can check out uh this book, A Pastoral check out uh this book, A Pastoral check out uh this book, A Pastoral Confessions. But I but I love how how Confessions. But I but I love how how Confessions. But I but I love how how the it's it's such an interesting way as the it's it's such an interesting way as the it's it's such an interesting way as we look at the place that Malachi holds we look at the place that Malachi holds we look at the place that Malachi holds in our Bibles as the last book of the in our Bibles as the last book of the in our Bibles as the last book of the Old Testament. Old Testament. Old Testament. >> That's right. Yeah. >> That's right. Yeah. >> That's right. Yeah. >> Then the next thing that people read >> Then the next thing that people read >> Then the next thing that people read after they finish chapter 4 after they finish chapter 4 after they finish chapter 4 >> is Matthew and we get into the life of >> is Matthew and we get into the life of >> is Matthew and we get into the life of Jesus. It's uh it's it's it's certainly Jesus. It's uh it's it's it's certainly Jesus. It's uh it's it's it's certainly poant that that we have this book which poant that that we have this book which poant that that we have this book which is largely focused on this sin ide on is largely focused on this sin ide on is largely focused on this sin ide on this topic and then who comes next but this topic and then who comes next but this topic and then who comes next but the savior. the savior. the savior. >> Yes, that's right. And but it's also so >> Yes, that's right. And but it's also so >> Yes, that's right. And but it's also so striking, isn't it? That the last words striking, isn't it? That the last words striking, isn't it? That the last words of the book. of the book. of the book. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And the way we organize our Old >> And the way we organize our Old >> And the way we organize our Old Testaments, the last words of the Old Testaments, the last words of the Old Testaments, the last words of the Old Testament, Testament, Testament, uh I will send the prophet Elijah to uh I will send the prophet Elijah to uh I will send the prophet Elijah to you. He'll turn the hearts of the you. He'll turn the hearts of the you. He'll turn the hearts of the parents to their children, the hearts of parents to their children, the hearts of parents to their children, the hearts of the children to their parents. Or else I the children to their parents. Or else I the children to their parents. Or else I will come and strike the land with a will come and strike the land with a will come and strike the land with a curse.

curse. curse. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And we're driven to Galatians 3. Christ >> And we're driven to Galatians 3. Christ >> And we're driven to Galatians 3. Christ became a curse for us. I mean, it's just became a curse for us. I mean, it's just became a curse for us. I mean, it's just amazing connection, isn't it? amazing connection, isn't it? amazing connection, isn't it? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It's it's beautiful. Um, are there two >> It's it's beautiful. Um, are there two >> It's it's beautiful. Um, are there two or three verses, passages, any part that or three verses, passages, any part that or three verses, passages, any part that you would want to highlight to people to you would want to highlight to people to you would want to highlight to people to stand and say if you've never read stand and say if you've never read stand and say if you've never read Malachi, make sure that you focus in on Malachi, make sure that you focus in on Malachi, make sure that you focus in on these verses. Um, because they they these verses. Um, because they they these verses. Um, because they they unpack a lot of what we're getting from unpack a lot of what we're getting from unpack a lot of what we're getting from Malachi. Malachi. Malachi. >> Yes. I I think the best way to do it is >> Yes. I I think the best way to do it is >> Yes. I I think the best way to do it is to read through Malachi and see to read through Malachi and see to read through Malachi and see on each occasion as I've done what God on each occasion as I've done what God on each occasion as I've done what God says. says. says. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And what they say but but and how he >> And what they say but but and how he >> And what they say but but and how he describes their response to what he's describes their response to what he's describes their response to what he's saying saying saying >> because there's there's the great >> because there's there's the great >> because there's there's the great contrast contrast contrast uh God's words and our instinctive uh God's words and our instinctive uh God's words and our instinctive response. response. response. Um, Um, Um, and u I might say Jason, what one of the and u I might say Jason, what one of the and u I might say Jason, what one of the uh prayers I pray every day for myself uh prayers I pray every day for myself uh prayers I pray every day for myself >> is from Psalm 90. Uh, satisfy me with >> is from Psalm 90. Uh, satisfy me with >> is from Psalm 90. Uh, satisfy me with your steadfast love your steadfast love your steadfast love >> that I may rejoice in you all my days.

>> that I may rejoice in you all my days. >> that I may rejoice in you all my days. Because I think if I was satisfied with Because I think if I was satisfied with Because I think if I was satisfied with God's steadfast love, I would need no God's steadfast love, I would need no God's steadfast love, I would need no idols. >> Yes. >> Yes. Oh, I love that. If I was satisfied with Oh, I love that. If I was satisfied with Oh, I love that. If I was satisfied with God's steadfast love, I would need no God's steadfast love, I would need no God's steadfast love, I would need no idols. idols. idols. Um, yeah, that is so true. And I love Um, yeah, that is so true. And I love Um, yeah, that is so true. And I love your point to encourage people to your point to encourage people to your point to encourage people to focus in on what God said and what he focus in on what God said and what he focus in on what God said and what he says as our response. It's one of the says as our response. It's one of the says as our response. It's one of the only places I can think of in at least only places I can think of in at least only places I can think of in at least the Old Testament up to this point where the Old Testament up to this point where the Old Testament up to this point where where the prophet or whoever is writing where the prophet or whoever is writing where the prophet or whoever is writing does this where he he where God has used does this where he he where God has used does this where he he where God has used this prophet to say here's what I'm this prophet to say here's what I'm this prophet to say here's what I'm saying and here's what you're saying saying and here's what you're saying saying and here's what you're saying back to me like where he's having the back to me like where he's having the back to me like where he's having the conversation itself conversation itself conversation itself >> um as a way for us to see how deeply he >> um as a way for us to see how deeply he >> um as a way for us to see how deeply he knows us and how he's going to talk knows us and how he's going to talk knows us and how he's going to talk about our hearts. about our hearts. about our hearts. >> That's right. That's right. That's >> That's right. That's right. That's >> That's right. That's right. That's right. As a matter of fact, there's a right. As a matter of fact, there's a right. As a matter of fact, there's a wonderful moment in uh Calvin's uh wonderful moment in uh Calvin's uh wonderful moment in uh Calvin's uh sermons uh on Ephesians where he he does sermons uh on Ephesians where he he does sermons uh on Ephesians where he he does this. He uh husbands love your wives, this. He uh husbands love your wives, this. He uh husbands love your wives, but you'll say to me, if you had a wife but you'll say to me, if you had a wife but you'll say to me, if you had a wife like mine who's wasting my money and like mine who's wasting my money and like mine who's wasting my money and always always down at the pub, you always always down at the pub, you always always down at the pub, you wouldn't say love your wife, but God wouldn't say love your wife, but God wouldn't say love your wife, but God says, says, says, >> "Yeah, >> "Yeah, >> "Yeah, >> this is what you must do." [laughter] >> this is what you must do." [laughter] >> this is what you must do." [laughter] And it's really effective to articulate And it's really effective to articulate And it's really effective to articulate uh people's instinctive responses.

uh people's instinctive responses. uh people's instinctive responses. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And um I I train preachers in my spare >> And um I I train preachers in my spare >> And um I I train preachers in my spare time and uh it it's it's a great way time and uh it it's it's a great way time and uh it it's it's a great way it's a great way of thinking what will it's a great way of thinking what will it's a great way of thinking what will people's instinctive response be when people's instinctive response be when people's instinctive response be when they they they >> read this Bible passage. Uh >> read this Bible passage. Uh >> read this Bible passage. Uh >> well it's it it indicates a knowledge >> well it's it it indicates a knowledge >> well it's it it indicates a knowledge and awareness of the listener or the and awareness of the listener or the and awareness of the listener or the reader in this case. Right. reader in this case. Right. reader in this case. Right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> So for the preacher it's a guys I I know >> So for the preacher it's a guys I I know >> So for the preacher it's a guys I I know I I know what you're thinking and I know I I know what you're thinking and I know I I know what you're thinking and I know because I'm there. I've been there and because I'm there. I've been there and because I'm there. I've been there and I'm there a lot. Right. It's putting I'm there a lot. Right. It's putting I'm there a lot. Right. It's putting yourself in the shoes of the yourself in the shoes of the yourself in the shoes of the parishioner. And in this but in this parishioner. And in this but in this parishioner. And in this but in this case it's God saying I know you. case it's God saying I know you. case it's God saying I know you. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] That's right. That's right. That's right. >> We've done this dance for many years. >> We've done this dance for many years. >> We've done this dance for many years. >> We know all the steps. That's right. >> We know all the steps. That's right. >> We know all the steps. That's right. That's right. That's wonderful. That's That's right. That's wonderful. That's That's right. That's wonderful. That's wonderful. Yeah. wonderful. Yeah. wonderful. Yeah. >> Um, >> Um, >> Um, one thing that that I always ask um one thing that that I always ask um one thing that that I always ask um especially um for people who may have especially um for people who may have especially um for people who may have never read the book of Malachi in this never read the book of Malachi in this never read the book of Malachi in this case before is are there any sticky case before is are there any sticky case before is are there any sticky parts to this book? And I I define that parts to this book? And I I define that parts to this book? And I I define that as any parts that are confusing, hard to as any parts that are confusing, hard to as any parts that are confusing, hard to read. So that a person uh who who might read. So that a person uh who who might read. So that a person uh who who might be entering into this for the first time be entering into this for the first time be entering into this for the first time be like, "Hey, just so you know, you're be like, "Hey, just so you know, you're be like, "Hey, just so you know, you're going to read this and that can be a going to read this and that can be a going to read this and that can be a little hard or confusing or little hard or confusing or little hard or confusing or troublesome."

troublesome." troublesome." Is there any points like that in this Is there any points like that in this Is there any points like that in this book? book? book? >> Uh yes, I think there are. I think the >> Uh yes, I think there are. I think the >> Uh yes, I think there are. I think the most difficult uh section is in chapter most difficult uh section is in chapter most difficult uh section is in chapter 4 4 4 >> where Malachi is uh prophesying uh the >> where Malachi is uh prophesying uh the >> where Malachi is uh prophesying uh the judgment of the the day is coming the judgment of the the day is coming the judgment of the the day is coming the arrogant and every evildoer will be arrogant and every evildoer will be arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble and that day that is coming will stubble and that day that is coming will stubble and that day that is coming will set them on fire. Not a root or a branch set them on fire. Not a root or a branch set them on fire. Not a root or a branch will be left to them. So that's one will be left to them. So that's one will be left to them. So that's one that's one feature I think we we find it that's one feature I think we we find it that's one feature I think we we find it hard to understand how a god of love hard to understand how a god of love hard to understand how a god of love can be a god of judgment. can be a god of judgment. can be a god of judgment. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And the second problem is uh >> And the second problem is uh >> And the second problem is uh uh the the assurance uh the the assurance uh the the assurance [laughter] in verse two is encouraging. [laughter] in verse two is encouraging. [laughter] in verse two is encouraging. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> For you who rever my name, the son of >> For you who rever my name, the son of >> For you who rever my name, the son of righteousness will rise with healing in righteousness will rise with healing in righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. You'll go out and follic like its rays. You'll go out and follic like its rays. You'll go out and follic like wellfed calves. That sounds fun. wellfed calves. That sounds fun. wellfed calves. That sounds fun. >> But verse three, [laughter] >> But verse three, [laughter] >> But verse three, [laughter] >> verse three, then you will trample on >> verse three, then you will trample on >> verse three, then you will trample on the wicked. They will be ashes under the the wicked. They will be ashes under the the wicked. They will be ashes under the souls of your feet on the day when I souls of your feet on the day when I souls of your feet on the day when I act.

act. act. I think that's the most difficult verse I think that's the most difficult verse I think that's the most difficult verse in the book. Uh in the book. Uh in the book. Uh um um um uh but I guess it's saying well it's uh but I guess it's saying well it's uh but I guess it's saying well it's true in everyday life that God calls on true in everyday life that God calls on true in everyday life that God calls on humans to execute judgment and humans to execute judgment and humans to execute judgment and punishment. So, punishment. So, punishment. So, you know, uh someone goes to court. you know, uh someone goes to court. you know, uh someone goes to court. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> There's a trial. >> There's a trial. >> There's a trial. Uh if they're found guilty, then where Uh if they're found guilty, then where Uh if they're found guilty, then where we we we exercise some kind of we we we exercise some kind of we we we exercise some kind of punishment. punishment. punishment. Um Um Um but I I think the difficulty with this but I I think the difficulty with this but I I think the difficulty with this is there seems to be so much enjoyment is there seems to be so much enjoyment is there seems to be so much enjoyment of it. of it. of it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> That's that's hard to understand and >> That's that's hard to understand and >> That's that's hard to understand and hard to feel. I think hard to respond to >> and I think it's the kind of issue you >> and I think it's the kind of issue you grapple with for a long time grapple with for a long time grapple with for a long time before it begins to make sense.

before it begins to make sense. before it begins to make sense. >> Yeah. Well, it [clears throat] >> Yeah. Well, it [clears throat] >> Yeah. Well, it [clears throat] it's a as we kind of talked about, it's it's a as we kind of talked about, it's it's a as we kind of talked about, it's an interesting uh way to to end the New an interesting uh way to to end the New an interesting uh way to to end the New Testament or or sorry, the Old Testament Testament or or sorry, the Old Testament Testament or or sorry, the Old Testament and especially as we look at the other and especially as we look at the other and especially as we look at the other minor prophet books and spe uh minor prophet books and spe uh minor prophet books and spe uh specifically most of them have the specifically most of them have the specifically most of them have the coming day of judgment as the core coming day of judgment as the core coming day of judgment as the core reading of the book and then it ends reading of the book and then it ends reading of the book and then it ends with the call to repentance or the hope with the call to repentance or the hope with the call to repentance or the hope piece uh that points ahead. This one I piece uh that points ahead. This one I piece uh that points ahead. This one I it has the hope piece a little bit, you it has the hope piece a little bit, you it has the hope piece a little bit, you know, in chapter 3 and then we get the know, in chapter 3 and then we get the know, in chapter 3 and then we get the Lord's promise of mercy and then we get Lord's promise of mercy and then we get Lord's promise of mercy and then we get this kind of hardto- read piece a little this kind of hardto- read piece a little this kind of hardto- read piece a little bit as we close. bit as we close. bit as we close. >> That's right. Yes, that's right. >> That's right. Yes, that's right. >> That's right. Yes, that's right. >> So, a little reverse for you uh for >> So, a little reverse for you uh for >> So, a little reverse for you uh for everybody that's been following along everybody that's been following along everybody that's been following along with us through these books. [laughter] with us through these books. [laughter] with us through these books. [laughter] >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> Well, I I I want to I want to thank you >> Well, I I I want to I want to thank you >> Well, I I I want to I want to thank you for your time and helping us to navigate for your time and helping us to navigate for your time and helping us to navigate this book. I want to end by asking, what this book. I want to end by asking, what this book. I want to end by asking, what is one thing that you want people to is one thing that you want people to is one thing that you want people to leave thinking about this book?

leave thinking about this book? leave thinking about this book? >> Yeah. Well, as you may guess, Well, as you may guess, >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> uh it is >> uh it is >> uh it is I want people to hear God's word, I want people to hear God's word, I want people to hear God's word, which is a powerful word, a God which which is a powerful word, a God which which is a powerful word, a God which God's words achieve what they uh God's words achieve what they uh God's words achieve what they uh achieve his purposes achieve his purposes achieve his purposes and [clears throat] also ex express who and [clears throat] also ex express who and [clears throat] also ex express who he is. he is. he is. Uh and I want people to know that God Uh and I want people to know that God Uh and I want people to know that God says to us as a people, but also to us says to us as a people, but also to us says to us as a people, but also to us as individuals, I have loved you. [snorts] [snorts] >> What a wonderful way to end our >> What a wonderful way to end our >> What a wonderful way to end our discussion on Malachi. I apprec I discussion on Malachi. I apprec I discussion on Malachi. I apprec I appreciate it so much. appreciate it so much. appreciate it so much. >> Would you mind closing us in prayer >> Would you mind closing us in prayer >> Would you mind closing us in prayer today, Peter? Especially thinking of today, Peter? Especially thinking of today, Peter? Especially thinking of people maybe they've never read this people maybe they've never read this people maybe they've never read this book or maybe now they want to book or maybe now they want to book or maybe now they want to dive into it again after this dive into it again after this dive into it again after this conversation. I would appreciate if you conversation. I would appreciate if you conversation. I would appreciate if you would end our time by praying for people would end our time by praying for people would end our time by praying for people here.

here. here. >> A delight. Thank you. >> A delight. Thank you. >> A delight. Thank you. >> Uh gracious heavenly father, we do thank >> Uh gracious heavenly father, we do thank >> Uh gracious heavenly father, we do thank you for the Bible. We thank you that you for the Bible. We thank you that you for the Bible. We thank you that you're a self-revealing God and the you're a self-revealing God and the you're a self-revealing God and the Bible tells us who you are as well as Bible tells us who you are as well as Bible tells us who you are as well as telling us who we are with all the telling us who we are with all the telling us who we are with all the dignity and glory which is ours made in dignity and glory which is ours made in dignity and glory which is ours made in your image but also our frailty and your image but also our frailty and your image but also our frailty and weakness and our sin. weakness and our sin. weakness and our sin. Uh we thank you that these truths are Uh we thank you that these truths are Uh we thank you that these truths are revealed in this book Malachi. revealed in this book Malachi. revealed in this book Malachi. [sighs] [sighs] [sighs] Uh but we thank you that this is not the Uh but we thank you that this is not the Uh but we thank you that this is not the end of the story. Uh we thank you that end of the story. Uh we thank you that end of the story. Uh we thank you that you so loved the world that you sent you so loved the world that you sent you so loved the world that you sent your only son your only son your only son uh so that anyone who believes in him uh so that anyone who believes in him uh so that anyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. may not perish but have eternal life. may not perish but have eternal life. And we thank you that when we turn to And we thank you that when we turn to And we thank you that when we turn to you in faith, you send your Holy Spirit you in faith, you send your Holy Spirit you in faith, you send your Holy Spirit into our hearts, the spirit uh to to into our hearts, the spirit uh to to into our hearts, the spirit uh to to show us your love for us and the the show us your love for us and the the show us your love for us and the the spirit of love to live within us.

spirit of love to live within us. spirit of love to live within us. Uh we ask that you'd help us to know Uh we ask that you'd help us to know Uh we ask that you'd help us to know that deeply and to know you deeply. that deeply and to know you deeply. that deeply and to know you deeply. But we also pray that you'd help us not But we also pray that you'd help us not But we also pray that you'd help us not to take [music] you for granted to take [music] you for granted to take [music] you for granted and your love for granted. and your love for granted. and your love for granted. And we also pray that you'd ask you'd And we also pray that you'd ask you'd And we also pray that you'd ask you'd help us as we learn [clears throat] to help us as we learn [clears throat] to help us as we learn [clears throat] to help others to learn these great [music] help others to learn these great [music] help others to learn these great [music] truths about you that together we may truths about you that together we may truths about you that together we may grow into maturity into in [music] grow into maturity into in [music] grow into maturity into in [music] Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus. And in [clears throat] his mighty name And in [clears throat] his mighty name And in [clears throat] his mighty name we pray. Amen.