Message Notes

(I) IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE OF FAITH: SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES

1. In search of knowledge and understanding of life (general)

2. In search of relevant principles to understanding difficult times (specific)

3. In search of a stronger faith in God

(II) IMPORTANT PRACTICE: UNDERSTANDING “TOUGH TIMES”

1. Sometimes touted as “unprecedented”

2. Some seasons of life may seem harder than most

“Is there anything of which it may be said, ‘See, this is new?’ It has already been in ancient times before us.” Ecclesiastes 1:10

(III) IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES OF UNDERSTANDING HOW GOD SEEKS TO TEACH US ABOUT LIFE: LESSONS FROM THE BOOK OF JOEL

1. God will give us a special word

“The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.” Joel 1:1

a) It is wise to search the Scriptures to discover a word from the Lord

b) It was a practice from days of old

i) The search for answers by people (Israel)

ii) The search for answers from servants of God (prophets/priests/wise men)

c) That search must be characterised by:-

i) Diligence

ii) Sincerity

iii) Faith

iv) Humility

v) Obedience

2. God’s word is powerfully relevant

“Tell your children about it, Let your children tell their children, And their children another generation.” Joel 1:3

a) God’s answers are for the present generation

b) They are also for the next generation

c) They are important for all generations

d) God seeks to teach deep life-principles through “unprecedented events”

(IV) IMPORTANT CANDIDNESS ABOUT LIFE’S CIRCUMSTANCES

1. Natural Disaster

a) A locust plague ( Joel 1:4-5 )

b) Agrarian disaster ( Joel 1:4-5 )

i) Economic

ii) Social

2. Impending War

a) Powerful enemies ( Joel 1:6 )

b) Aftermath of war ( Joel 1:7-12 )

(V) IMPORTANT CALL TO SPECIAL PRAYER EFFORTS

“Consecrate a fast,
Call a sacred assembly;
Gather the elders
And all the inhabitants of the land
Into the house of the LORD your God,
And cry out to the LORD.” Joel 1:14

1. A call to ALL (elders and inhabitants)

2. A call to fast

3. A call to cry out to the LORD

(Cf. 2 Chronicles 6 – The Prayer of Solomon is directly applicable)