"How has God loved us?" 

That's exactly what the Israelites asked in Malachi, God's final message before 400 years of divine silence. 

Though they had been rescued from exile, rebuilt their temple, and restored their city, the people had fallen into spiritual apathy and empty religion. 

In this episode, Tiffany Coker and Pastor Jeff Cranston examine the book of Malachi - a powerful wake-up call about genuine worship and God's enduring love that remains startlingly relevant today. As we complete our journey through all 66 books of the Bible, we'll explore how this final prophetic voice of the Old Testament points toward the coming Messiah while challenging believers of every era to examine their hearts.

[00:00] Intro, Bible Dad Jokes, and Final Episode of Our Bible Overview Series

• We are on the last book of our 66-book Bible overview series
• Bible Themed Dad Jokes 
• Announcement: 6-week break until 2025, see you then! 

[05:45] Historical Context and Background

• Written during Persian empire rule due to Persian terminology used
• The temple had been rebuilt in 515 BC due to earlier restoration efforts
• Malachi likely prophesied around 432 BC due to parallels with Nehemiah
• Approximately 400 years before Christ's birth due to the prophetic timeline

[11:07] Key Themes and Messages

• People questioned God's love despite recent deliverance due to spiritual apathy
• Corruption among priests due to generational decline in passion
• Manipulated sacrifices giving God "second best" due to selfish hearts
• Marriage taken lightly due to spiritual compromise
• Withholding tithes due to love of money

[16:46] Application for Today

• Warning against dead religion versus living relationship due to perpetual human tendency
• Living relationship produces natural fruit due to the Spirit's work
• Genuine love for neighbors flows from authentic faith due to God's grace
• God's mercy continues despite human failure due to His faithful character

Quote 

"We have to stay vigilant against having just a dead or rote religion take the place of our living relationship with Jesus Christ." - Tiffany Coker

"When love for one's neighbor is neglected, it invites God's judgment." - Jeff Cranston

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Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church. 

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!