FAITH – HOPE – FORGIVENESS by Growing Older

Introduction: Joel lived during the time of the Prophet Elisha; approximately 800 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. Joash was king.

The Name Joel: Means “Jehovah is God.”  He prophesied mostly about Jerusalem and Judah.

Date: Approximately 800 B.C.

1. The Plague Of Locust: Chap. 1:11-2:11
2. Chap. 2:1-11 references to revelation 16:14
3. This refers to Armageddon
4. Vs 11: references to Revelation 19:11-21
5. Joel calls for repentance: 2:12-17
6. Repentance is a turning back to God as well as a turning from our sin.
7. The sin that keeps us from Gods blessings.
8. The sin that hinders our sweet fellowship with the Lord.
9. The sin that hinders our spiritual progress.
10. Prophecy 2:28

    “Afterward “= in the last days

1. “Pour out my Spirit”
2. This prophecy was fulfilled in Acts 2:15 -21
3. Acts 2:16: “this is that”
4. “this” = the happenings of Acts 2:1-14.
5. The Day of Pentecost begins the “Last Days”, according to this fulfilled prophecy.
6. The local New Testament Church was empowered on the Day of Pentecost
7. Acts 2:41: 3,000 souls saved – baptized and added to the local church.
8. That particular local church was the one in Jerusalem in Acts 1:15.

The Last Days

1. Afterwards: Joel 2:28 – this is the last days of Acts 2:17
2. Joel 2:28 was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, therefore, the Last Days began on                             the Day of Pentecost.
3. This means that we have been living in the Last Days for over 2,000 years
4. We are living, I believe, in the last part of the Last Days.
5. We are to LOOK for the return of Jesus Christ.
6. We are to LIVE for Jesus until His return.

NOTES: Joel 3:14: “Valley of Decision.” The valley in which they are to meet their “determined doom.” The same as “the valley of Jehoshaphat,” that is, “the valley of judgment.”

This is the place where God executes His judgment upon His enemies.

People have decisions to make – to be saved or remain unsaved. Christians also have decisions –

Once we are saved, do I live for the Lord or not. Will I be faithful or remain unfaithful. How long will I serve Him?

Joel tells of the effects of the plagues, past and future. He looks beyond them to plagues of Israel’s enemies to come and calls Israel to repentance. Then, he looks to the end times and God’s triumph over Israel’s final enemies and the promise of God’s blessings upon Israel and the gentile believers.