The Soundtrack of Gospel Renewal

Preparing for the Lord's Day
Saved Through Humility 

We're pausing our sermon series on Acts for the summer, so that we can look at two minor prophetical books: Joel and Amos. They are certainly not minor in their importance, but minor in their length, i.e., they're short. Why Joel and Amos? Because they are quoted from in the book of Acts. Joel, in particular, is quoted by the Apostle Peter in his Pentecost Sermon. There he linked Joel 2 to the messianic age that Jesus inaugurated and the Holy Spirit would fulfill in and through the church. We saw the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the church at Pentecost…poured out to fulfill Joel’s prophecy “that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." And the church was empowered to bear witness to that salvation.

As a resident of Judah after the Babylonian exile, Joel is sent to preach gospel renewal to the people of Judah...to proclaim God's impending judgment upon their personal and national sin as well as his forgiveness and blessing from turning away from their sin. This Sunday we'll examine chapter 1 under the title, "The Soundtrack of Gospel Renewal." Each point will be a track title that will help us better understand how gospel renewal happens. The first track title is "Awaken" and points to our need to be awakened to the reality of sin. The second track title is "Lament" and points to our need to grieve our sin and it's effect on us. The third and final track title is "Repent" and offers  a hopeful response of turning away from our sin. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and meditate upon Joel 1:1-20, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 7:9-10 and the Westminster Confession of Faith 15. 

As we gather to worship the God who not only gives good gifts, but is THE gift, we will join our voices together in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” the Acclamation of Praise “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross," and the Hymn of Preparation for Communion “Whate'er My God Ordains Is Right" and the Hymn of Response, "For the Cause.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives so that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him! 

Sermon Information

Text: Joel 1:1-20
Title: The Soundtrack of Gospel Renewal

Outline:
1. Awaken
2. Lament
3. Repent 

Sunday's Bulletin

Bulletin Insert