Have you ever been the victim of false advertising? It's definitely a first-world problem, but annoying nonetheless. I find it happens most often in the drive-thru. You are excited that it's "minty shake" season at a popular chain only to find that the local one doesn't have them yet, even though it's been advertised. Your staff at the church is getting lunch at a certain restaurant with amazing mac & cheese, but two times in a row your hard-working secretary is deprived of said food because the restaurant neglected to put it in the bag. I cannot confirm or deny that these things have happened within our church family, but I'd bet that all of you have experienced something similar, as have I.

At the end of the period in which the Old Testament events occurred, God's people were feeling like the Lord was less than advertised. He had made promises that had yet to come to fruition, namely the Messiah. This led the people to depression, discouragement, and doubt. The longer they waited, the more they judged God according to THEIR picture of Him and how He should work, which is the same thing that happened during Palm Sunday and Holy Week 2,000 years ago. This week at Friendship, we'll dig into the Book of Malachi to see the Lord's response to all of this, as well as the final Old Testament prophecy regarding the Messiah, who is "The Son of Righteousness Rising with Healing in His Wings". You'll definitely want to stay for the end as we take a special look at an old favorite passage in the New Testament that speaks of the Father running to us as we return to Him. Join us as we experience God's unconditional love together!