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.
