Scripture Reading: Joel 2:28–32

Introduction

A. There are few chapters studied as frequently in churches of Christ as Acts 2, because this chapter records such a pivotal moment.

B. Have you ever considered the contents of this chapter from the vantage point of a first-century Jew?

Discussion

I. The “great and awesome day of the Lord” (Acts 2:20) was not a day that any Jewish person hoped to see.

A. The prophecy about this day was penned by the prophet Joel in the wake of a dreadful disaster (Joel 1:2–13).

B. Joel said that this wasn’t just a time for mourning, but also for prayer and fasting (Joel 1:14–15; 2:1–11).

C. Joel was not the only prophet to speak of “the day of the LORD” as a day of judgment and destruction. (Isaiah 13:6; Jeremiah 46:10; Ezekiel 30:2–3; Amos 5:18–20; Zechariah 14:1–2).

II. The good news is that there is something we can do.

A. Joel called the people to repentance, and he assures them that God will have mercy (Joel 2:12–32).

B. Peter’s message at Pentecost is effectively the same as Joel’s (Joel 2:13–14; cf. Acts 2:37–38).

C. Where will you stand in “the valley of decision” when “the day of the Lord” comes (Joel 3:12–13; 2 Peter 3:9–12; 1 Thessalonians 5:1–10)?

Conclusion

A. Paul says that “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

B. Are you living as a child of the day (1 Thessalonians 5:5)?