Joel 2:28
Introduction:
This is week 4 of series leading to Pentecost Sunday.
Week One
-Scattered. Primarily we spoke about the disciples and what they did or didn’t do when the shepherd was struck…This week I want to look at not only. What did they do? The gathered.
Week Two
– Gathered – what the disciples did, but a whole community of believers who were missing their shepherded
Week Three
today…. released.
Week Four …. Promised
Transition:
At Pentecost they are empowered and come out of the upper room with the authority, boldness, ‘anointing’ to do a few things they were incapable of on their own strength, ability or merit
.
When we think of Pentecost, we fail to understand that it was simply a NT event.
The reality is that the Holy Spirit empowerment for service is also found in the OT.
The Spirit of God throughout the OT was a gift of power, given in order that the recipient might do a particular job for God.
Exodus 31:2
“Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
3
I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.
4
He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze.
5
He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft! (NLT)
Judges 6:34
Then the Spirit of the LORD took possession of Gideon. He blew a ram’s horn as a call to arms, and the men of the clan of Abiezer came to him. (NLT)
Micah 3:8
But as for me, I am filled with power — with the Spirit of the LORD. I am filled with justice and strength to boldly declare Israel’s sin and rebellion. (NLT)
Haggai 1:14
So the LORD sparked the enthusiasm of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the enthusiasm of Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the enthusiasm of the whole remnant of God’s people. They began rebuilding the house of their God, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, (NLT)
Context of Joel 2:28
In verses 18-27, there is a promise of restoration to Israel at this point / time in their current condition but most agree that this promise of 2:28 is not that which will proceed that particular restoration but rather an indefinite time of ‘the coming of the day of the Lord’.
The Day of the Lord
Transition
: So back to Joel 2:28
The gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts is as much the pointing to imminence of the new age of God’s Kingdom.
John the Baptist, ‘Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.’
Jesus preached, ‘Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.’
Question
:
What is the Kingdom of God
? In its simplest of understandings, it is the rule and reign of God.
Hasn’t God always ruled and reigned
? We’ll yes, but it’s coming finality will culminate in greater battle(s) than it has in the past which is leading to a final show-down and final judgment.
When the Holy Spirit is poured out on the disciples, gathered in Jerusalem, Acts affirms that the Kingdom o God has begun to break into human history.
Question:
When did the church begin?
So watch this… After Perter preaches and quotes Joel 2:28, the people ask, ‘What should we do?’
Peter’s answer is ‘Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ’ (2:38).
Joel’s message of turning and repentance is carried forward in the apostolic tradition of the book of Acts.
Prophetic
Promise for All
The message of Joel is no longer limited to the Judeans, however. Acts 2 breaks the boundaries of Joel 2:28-29, and all persons and even for theose ‘who are far away’ – Gentiles, from every race and clime (Acts 2:39; John 1:12-13; Romans 11:17-24; Gal. 4:5-7; Ephesians 2:11-21)
One Final thought about the text because people want to know about the ‘visions’ and ‘dreams’
James W. Ryle – International Bible Teacher; Author; Truth Works Ministries – Franklin TN
Wrote a section in the Spirit Filled Life Bible – edited by Jack Hayford – p. 1657
Test to determine if any revelation is true or false.
Does it reinforce God’s Word and …?
Hold On Tight
Isaiah 35:3; Hebrews 12:12 NKJ Isaiah 35:3 ‘Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees’. NLT Isaiah 35:3 ‘With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees’. NKJ Hebrews 12:12 ‘Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees’, NLT Hebrews 12:12 ‘So take…
Called and Appointed
John 15:12 John 15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 “Greater love has no one than this, than1 to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 “No longer do I call you servants,…
Onesimus – The NT Hobo
Book of Philemon Introduction: For some, especially the young, the word or term ‘hobo’ might not be familiar. Growing up there was an understanding in my mind that there were actually hobos who would jump onto trains to get them to and from wherever they were going. What is the history of the hobo? They…
Me and My Church
Introduction: There is the Church Universal And then there is the Local Church. Question: What is the Local Church. Place of gathering; The Location (could be at the beach), the structure or the building or the facility where one gathers for: • Worship and teaching: A place to regularly gather for worship, prayer, and hearing…
But The Greatest of These
1 Corinthians 13 Introduction: Valentines Weekend. There is nothing wrong with dinners, chocolates, cards or flowers. When it come to Love, there are all kinds of things uses and pointed to as objects or illustrations: • Books – Romeo & Juliet; Gone with the Wind, etc. • Music / Songs – ‘Endless Love’, Diana…
Champions
1 Corinthians 1:25-26 Introduction: Superbowl Sunday. Champion – noun– a person who has defeated all opponents in a competition or series of competitions, so as to hold first place: the heavyweight boxing champion. Anything that takes first place in competition. One definition that I found that I like about what it means to be a…
Flood or The Blood
Psalm 32:1-7 Psalm 32:6, ‘Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment’. (Psa. 32:6 NLT) Introduction: Let’s look at a ‘communion text’ as we are contemplating the beauty of celebrating around the Lords Table. NKJ Psalm 32:1 <A Psalm of…
God In The House
NKJ – Psalm 127:1 <A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.> Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. The Psalms of Ascent are a collection of psalms in the Bible, Psalms 120–134, that were sung by Jewish pilgrims…
But Others – When All Else Seems to Fail
Introduction: I started the year with Immanuel, God with us, then last week, ‘Getting Rid of Stuff’, and now I will spend the next two weeks to speak to you about the role of Faith in our lives. 11:1-2, ‘Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen: it gives us assurance…