Podcast Summary: "A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace"

Episode: S4: Week 50 Day 5 – Applying Malachi 3:1-5 & Mark 11:15-18
Date: December 12, 2025
Hosts: Alexa and Beth

Episode Overview

This episode centers on applying the lessons from Malachi 3:1-5 (Old Testament) and Mark 11:15-18 (New Testament), examining how both point to Jesus and his significance. The hosts, Alexa and Beth, explore the themes of God coming to his temple, promises of purification and judgment, and the believer’s hope in Christ, especially in the context of the Advent season. The conversation focuses on living out these truths practically, with a strong emphasis on hope, prayer, and the anticipation of Christ's return.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Judgment and Purification – Parallels in Malachi and Mark

• Alexa notes that both passages illustrate God’s promise to come to his temple and bring both purification and judgment.
• Malachi 3:1-5 speaks of a purifier and a judge, roles fulfilled by Jesus.
• The connection to Mark 11:15-18 (Jesus cleansing the temple) underscores how Jesus not only fulfills prophecy but also directly enacts purification.

“While there is purification promised for God's people in Malachi 3:1-5, there's also judgment promised for those who reject God.”
— Alexa (00:52)

2. The Hope and Sobriety of Christ’s Return

• Alexa reflects on the dual aspects of Christ’s work:
  • He took judgment upon himself for believers.
  • He will one day judge those who do not repent.
• This truth, while sobering, is ultimately comforting; all evil and injustice will one day be addressed.

“As believers, we live with gratitude because we know that Jesus has taken on the judgment for our sins on the cross. But we also live with hope, knowing that Jesus is going to return to judge those who don't repent.”
— Alexa (00:57)

3. God’s Presence & Fulfillment in Christ

• The hosts reflect on the biblical promise: God coming to his temple, fulfilled both in Christ’s first coming and promised again in his return.
• Revelation 21 is referenced—there is no temple in the New Jerusalem because God and the Lamb are its temple.

"I did not see a temple in it because the Lord God, the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. That's just a beautiful reminder that as believers we will be in the full presence of God in eternity."
— Alexa quoting Revelation 21 (01:48)

4. Advent: The Tension of “Already and Not Yet”

• The current season is Advent: a time to both reflect on Christ’s first arrival and anticipate his second coming.
• The hosts are encouraged to rest in God’s presence now and hope in Christ’s return.

“In this Advent season, I'm encouraged to reflect on the promise of God's presence that has already been fulfilled in Christ and the promise of God's presence that will be fulfilled when Christ returns.”
— Alexa (02:12)

5. Living Out the Truth: Devotion, Prayer, and Worship

• Beth shares that recognizing God’s indwelling presence motivates her to devote her whole life to worship and prayer, referencing Paul’s command to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

“I really want to take seriously the fact that God's presence dwells with me, which means that my body, my whole existence can be devoted to prayer. I don't have to go to the temple to worship God. I can do it in every aspect of my life.”
— Beth (02:44)

6. Practical Prompts for Reflection and Prayer

• The episode concludes with prompts for listeners to praise God, thank Jesus for purification, and pray for living in hopeful anticipation of his return.

“Praise God for coming to his temple through Christ.
Thank Jesus for purifying you from your sin and making you right with God.
Pray that you will live in hope as you anticipate Jesus’ Second Coming.”
— Alexa & Beth (03:18–03:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “That truth is sobering, but it does remind us that all the evil we see in this world will be dealt with one day.”
  — Alexa (01:13)
• “I love how John describes the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21.”
  — Alexa (01:48)
• “So I want to rest in the truth that God is here with me now in all circumstances and hope in the truth that Jesus is coming back. And when he does come back, I will be with God forever.”
  — Alexa (02:29)
• “I can do it in every aspect of my life.”—Beth (02:49)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:36] — Recap of the week’s study & theme introduction
• [00:52] — Application: Judgment, purification, and hope in Christ
• [01:48] — Revelation 21 & presence of God in eternity
• [02:12] — Advent reflections & living in hope
• [02:40] — Beth on applying these truths in prayer and worship
• [03:18–03:32] — Reflection & prayer prompts

Episode Takeaways

• The whole Bible, both Old and New Testaments, points to Christ.
• The coming of Jesus addresses both the need for purification and the coming judgment—realities that shape Christian gratitude and hope.
• God’s presence is not confined to a temple; believers can now worship in every moment, especially through prayer.
• The Advent season is a time to rest in God’s fulfilled promises and eagerly expect their ultimate completion when Jesus returns.
• Practical application is encouraged through worship, gratitude, and persistent prayer, living in the reality of God’s presence now and the promise of eternity with him.

For more Bible study resources and encouragement, visit thedailygraceco.com.