A New Anointing
Joel 2
Introduction
: Joel 2:28-29 are a pair of verses that are coming used and studied especially within Pentecostal / charismatic circles.
Background
: The prophetic message in Joel’s book is a terrifying message to a certain degree.
Joel prophesied at a time of great devastation to the entire land of Judah.
This was in Joel’s understanding what
Moses
had spoken about in Deut. 28:36-46, he warned that, if the nation was disobedient, “Locusts will eat your crops.”
Transition
: What makes this message of Joel even more terrifying is that Joel goes on to explain in both prophetic and poetic language, that this plague, horrible as it may be, is nothing compared to the judgment of God that is coming!
Transition
: HOWEVER, we must not overlook the most remarkable section of this short prophesy. Through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, Joel looks hundreds of years ahead to a time when God will pour out His Spirit “upon all people” (
2:28
).
We pick up now in
Acts 2
.
Interrogative
: What does the fulfillment of Joel’s prophesied fulfilled and validated in Acts 2 mean for us?
I. The Time of Final Judgment is closer now than ever
.
II. Spirit anointing and indwelling for service is no longer restricted to ‘privileged
.’
III. God is empowering and raising up a ‘last days’ prophetic inclusive community
.
What Joel was to ravaged Judah, the church is to a ravaged world; namely, a prophetic voice:
IV. Doors are open for God’s gracious salvation
!
“Everyone that call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Conclusion
: Often we equate Acts 2 and Pentecost with tongues, the gifts of the spirit and empowerment…and that it is too but it’s more than that!
It’s progression and warning:
It’s anointing for service:
It’s prophetic appeal for salvation:
It’s the church in its final days being the church!
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