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Hope in Troubled Times

Read Joel 2:1-17

I.  GOD IS MOVING

God’s movements are not always pleasant.

  •  Why did God say to blow the trumpet and sound the alarm?
  • Give phrases from the following verses that describe The Day of the Lord:  Joel 2:2, 10-11; Isaiah 13:6, 9, 10; Ezekiel 30:3; Amos 5:18-20; Zephaniah 1:18; Zechariah 14:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3; 2 Peter 2:9, 3:10.
  • Based on the above verses, what do you think The Day of the Lord is?
  • When does Joel indicate it will take place?  Give the phrases from Joel 2:1; Zephaniah 1:14.
  • Give phrases that confirm that The Day of the Lord is God’s Day—He is fully in charge.  Joel 2:11; Zephaniah 1:14-18; 2 Chronicles 7:13
  •  When God moves, why do you and I have no cause to fear?  Psalm 27:1-3; 46:1-11; 91:1-8; Nahum 1:7; Romans 5:1-5; 8:31-39
  •  As we see evidence that The Day of the Lord is on the horizon, what should we do?  Joel 1:14; Zephaniah 2:3; 1 Peter 4:7-8; 2 Peter 3:11-12, 14;  1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 11
  •  How do you see God moving in our world today?  In your life?

II. GOD IS LOVING

  • Who invites us to return to God?  Joel 2:12
  • What phrase in v.12 indicates that this invitation is extended when judgment is imminent?
  • Give a definition for each of the words Joel uses to describe the Lord in 2:13.
  • How are we to return to God?  Joel 2:12-13
  • Hosea 14:1-2; 2 Chronicles 7:14-15
  • What does fasting mean and what does it include? Matthew 6:5-18
  • What one word in Matthew 5:16 indicates that fasting is not an option?
  • When have you fasted?  Have you ever fasted…turned away from everything and anything in order to turn to God and get alone with Him in prayer?
  • What is the difference between rending your heart and rending your garments?  Joel 2:13
  • Following his betrayal of Jesus, did Judas rend his heart or his garments?  Matthew 26:14-16, 47-49, 27:3-5
  • Following his denial of Jesus, did Peter rend his heart or his garments? Mark 14:66-72; Acts 1:15-22; 1 Peter 1:3-5
  • If you say you have repented, what difference has it made in your attitude?  Your actions?
  • From the following verses, describe God’s movement in judgment while His love is expressed in salvation:  John 3:16; Romans 6:23.
  • What is our ultimate hope in troubled times?  John 14:1-3

As God moves in judgment, would you return to the Cross, rend your heart and trust in His love “to leave behind a blessing”?  Then share Hope with someone else.

This Bible study was prepared especially for the Spring 2015 Newsletter.

Download the PDF of this Bible study here to print or email.

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