This new sermon series is entitled “Come Back to Me – The Minor Prophets.” In this study we’ll unpack the Gospel message in a collection of books you’ve probably always skipped right over—the minor prophets. We often think of the minor prophets as books of judgment. But they also paint a picture of a God whose scandalous love never stops pursuing the very people who broke his heart. We begin this series by diving in to the book of Joel.
For context, click on the link to the Bible Project video and then read the short book of Joel. https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/joel/
1. After watching the video, and reading the text what do you learn about God’s character?
2. What does it tell you of the nature of God?
3. How do you see God’s love prevailing?
4. How does the text speak most personally to you?
Read and reflect on the words of Joel in chapter 1 and answer the questions that follow:
5. Where do you see God trying to get the attention of the people of Israel?
6. In these last days, how have you sensed God trying to get your attention?
7. Why does He desire that He has your full attention? What do you believe He desires for you?
Read and reflect on the words of Joel in chapter 2 and answer the questions that follow:
8. We are not told the specific sin of Israel, yet God speaks through the prophet Joel of declaring a holy fast, and “crying out to God.” For what are the people of Israel repenting?
9. In your own words describe the meaning of this call, “Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to your God.” Describe a time when you lived into this call. What was the outcome of your repentance? What belief or behavior changed?
10. What’s your deepest cry of the heart for your family? What’s your cry for our Faith Family?
Read and reflect on the words of Acts 2, and the words of Joel 2, and answer the questions that follow:
11. How does this fulfillment of prophecy encourage you?
12. What part of this prophecy most resonates with you?
13. Where do you see God’s Spirit being poured out in our church and in our neighborhood?
14. Where do long to see God’s Spirit move?
Chapter 3 includes pictures of God making all things new.
15. How do you hold fast to the hope of His imminent return?
The message on Sunday closed with the familiar words of Psalm 139. Spend some moments allowing God to search, to test, to know, and to lead you in this day. Give Him praise.
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting
Spend a few moments listening again for His voice. Allow your voice to proclaim praise for His goodness and grace.
