Pastor Greg finishes off his mini-series on the book of Joel. Join us in-person or online on Sunday morning at 10:30.
Service Video
Sermon Audio
Sermon Notes
“But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel. “Then you will know that I, the Lord your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill. Jerusalem will be holy; never again will foreigners invade her.”
– Joel 3:16b-17
Decisions! (vs. 3:1-21)
1) R_____________________! (vs. 3:1-16a)
- Revenge on Edom – Isaiah 34:5-10ff
- Retribution to Babylon – Jeremiah 51:54-56ff
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil… Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord…” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:17-21 (Deuteronomy 32:35, Proverbs 20:22, 24:29)
**** Joel 3:14 “The valley of decision.” ****
2) R________________ (vs. 3:16b-17)
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” – Psalm 46:1-3
(Psalm 27:1, 31:4-5, 37:39, 61:3-4, 62:8, 71:7, 73:28, 91:1-2, 9-10, 94:22, 142:5)
3) R______________ (vs. 3:18-21)
“…And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” – Revelation 21:1-5
Digging Deeper
Q1: What was the toughest decision you ever had to make? The easiest?
Q2: Share about a time you wanted to take revenge but the Lord reminded you to show mercy instead. What happened with that relationship?
Q3: Read Isaiah 34:5-10 & Jeremiah 51:54-56. What do these passages tell you about God’s love for you?
Q4: Read four of the Psalm verses in #2. In the past when have you sought refuge in God? Why is this so important to do?
Q5: Read Joel 3:17-21. How does this passage reverse the effects of the locust plague and invading army from Joel 1-2?
Q6: Where in your life is God revealing Himself to you? What situations are you going through which God is drawing you to Himself? Where is He calling you to “know that I am the Lord your God?”
Q7: What has God revealed to you about your relationship with Him through our 9 “Re’s” in Joel? (Respond, Return, Regather [Joel 1:1-2:17], Rejoice, Restore, Receive [Joel 2:18-32]). What next step is God calling you to?