SCRIPTURE: Acts 2:14-36 OBSERVATION The “big deal” for Peter here is not the outpouring of the Spirit. This is simply a by-product of the big deal, that Jesus is the Messiah, that He died and rose again and ascended to His throne in heaven. Jesus is in charge of the universe, and people must either accept…
June 2 — Acts 2:1-13
SCRIPTURE: Acts 2:1-13 OBSERVATIONS 1. (vv.1-3) A sound like the blowing of a violent wind, and what seemed like tongues of fire. These phenomenon may relate to what happened on Mount Sinai when God revealed Himself to Israel (Exodus 19:16-19). Traditionally Pentecost was both a harvest festival and a commemoration of when God revealed the Law to…
June 1 — Acts 1:12-26
SCRIPTURE: Acts 1:12-26 OBSERVATIONS 1. (vv.12-14) Something happened to keep them from giving up. If Jesus had only died, then they would have been hard-pressed to keep on praying, after such a major discouragement. Something kept them going. Its hard to think that they would rally around a hoax, as some suggest. APPLICATION: The resurrection is…
May 31 — Acts 1:1-11
SCRIPTURE: Acts 1:1-11 OBSERVATIONS 1. (vv.1-3) Luke continues his account of the life and impact of Jesus (see Luke 1:1-4). It is interesting to note that His work continues after He ascends to His throne, only now it is carried out by the Spirit and the Church. APPLICATION: Jesus is still at work today, we are still…
May 30 — Joel 3:17-21
SCRIPTURE: Joel 3:17-21 OBSERVATIONS 1. (v.17) “Then you will know” is in contrast to “right now”, where do cannot see clearly that God is in control. Right now, the poor are oppressed, the weak seem forgotten, and the wicked prosper. But the day is coming when everyone will know, without a doubt, that God is real,…
May 29 — Joel 3:1-16
SCRIPTURE: Joel 3:1-16 OBSERVATIONS 1. (vv.1-8) Joel declares that a day is coming when all people will be judged according to what they have done to God’s people (that is, the meek and oppressed, the underdogs of all nations). APPLICATION: The nation of Israel symbolically represents all the meek and oppressed, those whom God is committed,…
May 28 — Joel 2:28-32
SCRIPTURE: Joel 2:28-32 OBSERVATIONS 1. (v.28) Joel reveals the ultimate goal of God’s plan, to pour out His Holy Spirit on all people. Sin separates us from the presence and power of God (Psalm 51:1-12, esp v.11). God’s purpose is to restore what we ruined, and to bring us al back into healthy and holy fellowship with…
May 27 — Joel 2:18-27
SCRIPTURE: Joel 2:18-27 OBSERVATIONS 1. (v.18) The section that follows assumes that the people do gather together in humility and repentance. When He sees them genuinely sorry for what they have done, His deep love (jealous = zealous = passionate) will flood them with the blessings of His mercy. God is just waiting for repentance… APPLICATION:…
May 26 — Joel 2:12-17
SCRIPTURE: Joel 2:12-17 OBSERVATIONS 1. (vv.12-14) Joel indicates that there is still time for repentance, still time to turn back God’s plan for judgment. God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. APPLICATION: It is not too late to repent. Whenever I feel conviction, God (Who…
May 25 — Joel 2:1-11
SCRIPTURE: Joel 2:1-11 OBSERVATIONS 1. (v.1) Do we even imagine that “the day of the Lord” might come upon us, or are we living at ease in Zion? Although it speaks prophetically of the final day of judgment, it was also a historical event for Israel, and it could happen again today (think of what is…