Amen and amen. All right. Well, good evening. I'm so glad you're here. You can be seated.

You guys are getting a little Pentecost on that last song. I don't know. That was a

ham too. Those of you online that are joining with us live, we're glad that you are. Trust that you'll

be blessed that you did. And if you fall asleep, that's okay too. Depending on what time zone

you're in. Malachi chapter four tonight. Wow.

This last chapter of this last book in the Old Testament, though most certainly short in length, is most definitely profound in strength.

Now those of you that read ahead, stay ahead, know what's ahead, six verses.

Why are you looking at me like that? Wow, Pastor, are we going to get out

before midnight tonight? Probably. But in only six verses, the prophet Malachi prophesied by the Holy Spirit about the day coming when God judges the wicked

and rewards the righteous. Now remember two chapters ago, chapter two and spilling over in the chapter three where they were questioning of God and complaining to God, where's the justice?

When's it coming?

Answer, right here, as we're about to see.

But sadly, yet necessarily, this brings to an end the Old Testament

with the word curse, the last word in God's word until some 400 years later with the New Testament which ends with the word grace I have to confess it's not salacious, it's actually sanctified, believe it or not,

that I have been really looking forward to this last chapter in this last book of the Old Testament, and I'm hoping you're going to see why shortly.

And lastly, before we jump in, I hope you don't tire of me saying this, but the Lord knows

my heart when I do. It's my hope and prayer that all of this,

myself included always, will take heed to the Word of God and take home a word from God.

That's why we're here, isn't it?

So why don't we pray and ask God, if you would please join with me.

Father, we're not just here to hear you speak into our lives in and through your word.

You always do.

...