After comparing the light to the dark, John details why he wrote his letter. He even gives a new but old commandment, explaining the difference.

As if light and dark weren't enough, John talks about an anti-Christ: what is an anti-Christ, who is an anti-Christ, and how to spot the anti-Christ.

The excitement that John writes with jumps off the page in the first four verses. He uses light and darkness to emphasize our fellowship with God through Jesus.

What is fellowship? Why is it so important that he explains it in the way he does?

"Vengeance is mine, I will repay" says the Lord - Hebrews 10:30, Romans 12:19, Deuteronomy 32:35

There was so much to cover in Chapter 2 that we wanted to take our time and not squeeze it all into one episode.

Starting with verse 18, God first tells His people that He will restore them, then how He will dismantle the force that oppressed them, and how He will bless them abundantly. It is the blessing He leaves behind for their repentance.

Chapter 2 is all about repentance for the Israelites but also for the future remnants who call upon the name of the Lord. The final four verses are a prophecy fulfilled in the New Testament. Because Jesus' apostles recite these verses on the day of Pentecost, there is an important message. The children of Zion will never be put to shame. It is a promise from God.

The locusts are gone but have left a destructive path that affected so many areas of their lives. Now, the people are being warned that another day of the Lord is coming soon! It's described in the most dreadful way. However, the Lord tells them (yet again) what they must do to avoid this utter destruction.

In Chapter 2, the image of Israel's destiny is reflected back with a hopeful picture if they heed the trumpet blast. He wants to relent if they repent. He wants to leave a blessing. Why?

We are switching it up a bit. We are continuing season 5 by studying another book, Joel, rather than ending the season.

Before introducing the book, we discuss why we chose these two books, the importance of studying the books of the prophets, why they are commonly referred to as major or minor prophets, and the impact on the readers' lives.

Although this book is vague in one way, it is insightful and deeply significant in its purpose for the ancient Israelite nation and our Christian living.

The Day of the Lord!

Is it an apocalyptic phrase? Does it mean a day which the Lord has made? Or could it be a hopeful promise?

The end of Malachi leads directly from rebukes & warnings to silence & significant changes for the Israelite nation. What does it all mean, and what can we learn from these six verses?