Rev. David Holwick C
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
January 20, 1991
Joel 3:9-18
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I. Joel is a book about disasters.
A. We love disasters - from a distance.
1) Universal Studio "earthquake tour."
2) Lots of fun to observe.
B. Disasters are less fun up close.
II. Joel's immediate disaster is a locust plague. 1:4
A. Date unknown, as is date of book or prophet.
1) Locust plagues were common.
a) American Midwest in 1870's.
1> Locusts so thick the sun was blotted out. 2:10
b) Jordan and Syria in 1916.
2) Total destruction.
a) Joel mentions four waves, stripping everything bare. 1:4
B. Message - God is behind this disaster.
1) Disasters don't "just happen."
a) God is still in control.
1> Yet God is not a cruel God.
b) He wants to warn us of our sin and impending judgment.
2) What's wrong with world? "I'm what's wrong with the world."
III. A greater disaster is coming.
A. Future events of the Day of the Lord. (2:31)
1) Spirit is poured out on all God's people. 2:28
2) The nation of Israel is restored. 3:1
3) Ominous signs appear in the sky. 2:30, 3:15
4) Huge war erupts. 3:9
5) Judgment Day occurs. 3:13
B. Details of war.
1) Plowshares beaten into swords. 3:10
2) Weak convince themselves they are strong. 3:10
3) Rapid preparation. 3:11
4) There is a harvest of judgment. 3:13
IV. Armageddon. Revelation 16:16
A. Recurring nightmare in our nuclear age.
1) Last great battle on earth.
2) Every army and nation involved.
3) Marked by hostility against God.
4) In the end, God wins and Christ reigns.
B. Is war in Mideast going to be Armageddon?
1) Frightening parallels.
a) Hint of chemical, even nuclear, weapons.
b) Plows to swords - $1.3 million Tomahawk missiles. 3:10
1> $268 million worth used to date.
c) Massive armies from many nations.
d) Innocent Israel is attacked and drawn into war.
e) Rapid deployment - brother Jeb has no equipment, no gun,
not even any boots. (Had to buy his own.)
f) Sun darkened - night attack videos.
g) Winepress of judgment - note Iraqi blood threats. 3:13
2) But not Armageddon - yet.
a) Antichrist has not appeared.
b) Final persecution of Christians has not occurred.
C. Real Armageddon is coming.
1) Holy Spirit has already been poured out. 30 AD. 2:28
2) Israel has been restored. 1948 AD. 3:1
a) Even its people are being gathered. 3:2,7
1> 50,000 Russian Jews will arrive this year.
b) Israel is threatened. 1991 AD. 3:17
3) War is more destructive than ever.
V. Whose side will you be on?
A. Site of battle is appropriately called the "Valley of Decision".
1) You are for God, or against him.
a) No middle ground. No neutrality.
1> Lukewarm Christians are spewed out.
b) No escape.
1> (Saddam Hussein thinks he can ride it out.)
2) Only you can make the decision.
a) Your parents will have no pull with God.
b) Your spouse or children will speak only for themselves.
3) Make your decision for God before it is too late.
a) It is not enough to watch the events unfold on CNN.
1> The battle will involve you.
b) We don't know how much time God has given us.
1> Saddam must have thought Bush was joking.
2> Saddam didn't think America would carry through with
its threats.
3> Don't underestimate God.
A> Wake up to the coming disaster! 1:5
B. God requires us to return to him. 2:12,13
1) Must acknowledge we have left him (sin).
2) Whole heart must be involved. 2:12,13
3) Not superficial emotions (torn garment).
C. Call on God to save you. 2:32
1) God is gracious and compassionate. 2:13
2) God is a refuge in times of disaster. 3:16
Copyright © 2024 by Rev. David Holwick
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