Icebreaker
Share a time when you experienced or witnessed a natural disaster. How did it impact you or others around you?
Background
Joel was written approximately 800 years before Christ. In this book, Judah is ravaged by a horde of locusts, destroying everything—fields of grain, vineyards, gardens, and trees.
Dig In
Andy presented Joel in four parts: a present disaster, a future destruction, the Lord’s declaration, and the final decision.
A Present Disaster
Read Joel 1:1-5.
Think about to a disaster that you remember exactly where you were when you heard about it. Why do we remember these so readily? Why do you think we feel the need to tell others, like our children, about them?
A Future Destruction
Read Joel 2:1-13.
Joel describes the “Day of the Lord” as both terrible and an opportunity for redemption. How do we reconcile these two aspects?
Andy mentioned two common errors in interpreting disasters: blaming the victims or questioning God’s love. How can we avoid these extremes?
How have previous tragedies (like September 11) been both terrible and an opportunity for redemption?
Read Luke 13:2-5.
We went to what to know “why”–what’s was Jesus’ response to tragedy?
How should Christians interpret and respond to disasters in light of Joel’s message?
The Lord’s Declaration
Read Joel 2:28.
Where is this verses referenced in the New Testament? Why?
The Final Decision
Read Joel 3:14.
How did Andy discuss this verse?
Read 2 Peter 3:1-13.
How does this passage connect to Joel?
How do we see scoffers doing this exact thing today?
According to this passage, what has the Lord not come back yet?
How does this passage impact our understanding of God’s patience and judgment?
According to this passage, what should we do while we wait?
Discussion
- What stood out most to you from the message?
- Andy emphasized the importance of making a decision for Christ now. Why is this urgency necessary, according to the message?
Questions for Personal Reflection
These questions are intended to be read aloud to the group, but not necessarily for group discussion.
- Reflect on areas in your life where you need to “tear your heart” and return to God. What’s one step you can take this week to draw closer to Him.
- Who can you share the Gospel with this week?