15 March 2009

Text: Joel 3

A SHELTER FOR HIS PEOPLE

(I) THE DAY OF THE LORD AS A TIME FOR JUDGMENT OF THE WORLD

1. All nations

“I will also gather all nations,
And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat…” Joel 3:2

2. Judgment

“…I will enter into judgment with them there…” Joel 3:2

(II) THE CASE AGAINST THE WICKED

1. Scattering of God’s people

“…they have scattered (God’s people) among the nations…” Joel 3:2

2. Abusing of the Land

“…They have also divided up My land.” Joel 3:2

3. Abuse of the People

“They have cast lots for My people,
Have given a boy as payment for a harlot,
And sold a girl for wine, that they may drink.” Joel 3:3

“Also the people of Judah and the people of Jerusalem
You have sold to the Greeks,
That you may remove them far from their borders.” Joel 3:6

4. Retaliation of the wicked

“…Will you retaliate against Me?...” Joel 3:4

5. Looting of Temple property

“Because you have taken My silver and My gold;
And have carried them into your temples My prized possessions.” Joel 3:5

(III) SPECIAL PROMISES TO THE LORD’S PEOPLE

“…But the LORD will be a shelter for His people,
And the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel 3:16

1. A shelter for His people

2. The strength of the children of Israel

(IV) MANY PRECIOUS PROMISES (Psalm 91)

1. Promise of Protection

“No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling” Psalm 91:10

2. Provision of Angelic ministry

“For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways” Psalm 91:11

3. Promise of Deliverance

“…I will deliver him…” Psalm 91:14

4. Promise of Answering of prayers

“He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him…” Psalm 91:15a

5. Promise of God’s presence

“…I will be with him in trouble…” Psalm 91:15b

6. Promise of Honour

“…I will deliver him and honour him.” Psalm 91:15c