June 27, 2004

Rev. Edward Chandler

A Sweet Promise from Nearly 2800 Years Ago
Joel 1-4; Acts 1:8, 2:1-13; Luke 2:25-32

1. No one knows exactly when the prophet Joel lived. Many Bible students say about 800 B.C. before the southern kingdom of Judah was taken into captivity. The entire land was devastated, first by a severe drought. Crops failed for lack of rain. Grass in pastures died. Animals suffered and died for lack of water. Then the locusts came and ate everything in sight, even the bark off young trees. Joel saw this devastation as God’s punishment because the people had rejected Him.

2. If God does not change (and the Bible says He doesn’t), is it possible that this country (USA) and the world is now (2004) suffering a locust attack (violence and devastation) as a result of our sin and disobedience? Is there any Scripture that refutes this?

3. Are we (individuals and a nation) our own worst enemy? Have you known individuals who were their own worst enemy? Are you aware that early on God told the Israelites they had to choose whether they would be blessed or cursed (Deut. chapters 1-10)?

4. Right in the midst of this dark time Joel issues a bright, hopeful promise. The day is coming when God will pour out His Holy Spirit upon all people (male and female, Jew and non-Jew). Why is this different from what those people had known? When would this happen?

5. Turn to Acts 1 and 2 to see this come to pass. Why did God have to wait till now? Is this under the old covenant or new covenant?

6. Did Acts 2 end this outpouring/filling of the Holy Spirit, or is it still happening? What do you know about being filled with the Spirit? Who is a candidate for this? What must happen before any of us can be filled with the Spirit?

7. Are you aware what happens to persons who are filled with the Spirit? Turn to Luke 2:25-32 to read about an old man who was filled and guided by the Spirit. As you read the story, what effects and changes occurred in his life as a result of the Holy Spirit guiding and controlling him?

8. Do you sense/feel the need to have the Holy Spirit take control of your life? Do you understand what you must do in order for that to come to pass? Do you truly believe the Holy Spirit is at work today in the way He was at work in the life of Simeon? Have you seen Him at work? Are you willing to surrender your life so that He can take charge of your life and use you? Have you read Billy Graham’s book on the Holy Spirit? Have you read Max Ander’s book on All You Need to Know About the Holy Spirit?