Readable Notes
Studies in Malachi
2/23/2025 - Studies in Malachi #1: An introduction to Malachi, and then various observations on the offenses of Israel against God, in chapters 1 and 2, with lessons we can apply to ourselves.
3/9/2025 - Studies in Malachi #2, Issues of Marriage: Continuing with the offenses of the people against God. First, the sin of intermarrying with the heathen, and secondly, the associated problem of "dealing treacherously with the wife of thy youth" by divorce. We see the importance of staying free from entanglements that would lead us into spiritual decline and idolatry, and also the necessity of being true to our marriage covenant
3/16/2025 - Studies in Malachi #3, Judgment Will Come; Serving God is Not in Vain. Next in this series is the people's offense of denying evil, and that God will really judge it, and then saying that to serve God is vain and profitless. Also there is a look at seven specific sins they are accused of.
3/23/2025 - Studies in Malachi #4: Robbing God. When we withhold "tithes" and offerings, we are really robbing from God. Giving is to be regular, generous, done with the right motivation and attitude, and must go to places that will build the Kingdom, not work against it. This lesson also looks at a similar issue in the book of Haggai, where God was resisting the people because they were neglecting the rebuilding of the temple.
3/30/2025 - Studies in Malachi #5: Starting into the Messianic and Millennial prophecies portion of the study. There will be a time when the whole earth is filled with God's glory, with the Messiah Jesus reigning in Jerusalem as a great King and Judge. This will be the fulfillment of the promises that the meek will inherit the earth. then we look at several reasons why this is important to us right now.
3/30/2025 - Studies in Malachi #6: Preparing the Way of the LORD. A study of the predictions in Malachi (and Isaiah) of John the Baptist, and of Elijah still to come. Also the connection between our need to prepare our hearts to seek God, and the fact that it is God working in us, preparing our hearts. How to prepare for what God has for us to do, without knowing yet just what that entails.
5/18/2025 - Studies in Malachi #7: The Purifying Work of Christ. In "the day of his coming" he will be a refiner's fire and like fuller's soap. There two analogies of Christ's purification of a people so we can offer up an offering in righteousness - the refining fire (separating the gold or silver from the ore), and the cleansing of soap. Then from 3:5 and 4:1, how he will bring fiery judgment on the unbeliever at his return. Our response should be self-examination to allow God to expose sin and "refine" us, and to cleanse us by the blood of Christ. If we will judge ourselves now, we will not suffer loss at the judgment seat of Christ, and we will obviate the need for divine chastening.
Audible Lessons
5/25/2025 - Studies in Malachi #8: Restoration and the Ultimate Blessings of Christ. A continuation of the Messianic part of Malachi. Christ arises as the "Sun of Righteousness, with healing in his wings; He will restore pure worship among his believers; a future time when the righteous will survive the wicked and the meek inherit the earth; and finally a look at the tremendous promises in 3:16-18.