WEBVTT 00:00:00.600 --> 00:00:06.879 Let me pray before we get into God's Word, so let's have a seat and let me pray for us. 00:00:10.120 --> 00:00:15.140 Our Father, thank you that you are speaking, God, that you do not give us a silent treatment. 00:00:15.359 --> 00:00:17.940 No, you speak to us in your love and your grace. 00:00:18.260 --> 00:00:19.199 I pray that you would do that now. 00:00:19.800 --> 00:00:26.019 Would you take my words and would you make them your words from your scripture in our hearts 00:00:26.019 --> 00:00:29.320 and help us to respond to you in Jesus' name. 00:00:29.719 --> 00:00:30.120 Amen. 00:00:31.399 --> 00:00:31.800 Great. 00:00:31.899 --> 00:00:36.460 Now, if you've been here the past few weeks, not everyone has, then, yeah, you know that 00:00:36.460 --> 00:00:41.620 we've been doing this series on the Book of Ruth, and today would be the last sermon maybe, 00:00:41.740 --> 00:00:46.340 but actually half the church is away for Chinese New Year, so we decided to postpone that for 00:00:46.340 --> 00:00:50.900 a week so that we don't have, like, everyone missing out on the finale, on the big climax. 00:00:51.620 --> 00:00:55.359 So today is just like a standalone sermon, which is nice, right? 00:00:55.359 --> 00:00:56.760 I can preach on anything I want. 00:00:56.759 --> 00:01:01.039 You know, maybe I can preach on my favorite verse, my favorite book of the Bible. 00:01:01.920 --> 00:01:06.719 I don't know, something in the news like the war in Ukraine, or I don't know, just something 00:01:06.719 --> 00:01:09.560 about the gospel or Jesus, whatever. 00:01:09.939 --> 00:01:10.280 I don't know. 00:01:10.819 --> 00:01:11.519 God's sovereignty. 00:01:12.219 --> 00:01:12.480 I don't know. 00:01:12.539 --> 00:01:13.819 There's so many hobby horses, right? 00:01:13.819 --> 00:01:15.879 I can just do. 00:01:16.319 --> 00:01:17.339 It's really, yeah. 00:01:17.500 --> 00:01:19.279 So I thought, what shall I preach on? 00:01:19.959 --> 00:01:23.799 Would be, yeah. 00:01:24.059 --> 00:01:24.459 Sorry. 00:01:24.639 --> 00:01:25.639 I lost my train of thought. 00:01:28.639 --> 00:01:29.859 And so, yeah. 00:01:29.859 --> 00:01:34.859 What I thought I should preach on, actually, is... 00:01:34.859 --> 00:01:36.700 Sorry. 00:01:37.900 --> 00:01:39.000 I'm just not myself today. 00:01:42.140 --> 00:01:43.180 Hmm? 00:01:45.700 --> 00:01:46.780 Yeah. 00:01:51.019 --> 00:01:52.060 Okay. 00:01:53.140 --> 00:01:54.260 Sorry. 00:01:54.260 --> 00:01:55.219 Okay. 00:01:55.219 --> 00:01:55.260 Okay. 00:01:56.980 --> 00:01:58.620 So this is a fire alarm. 00:02:00.500 --> 00:02:00.820 Do we... 00:02:00.820 --> 00:02:02.140 Is there any tests today? 00:02:02.219 --> 00:02:02.540 Do you know? 00:02:03.439 --> 00:02:03.859 No. 00:02:04.140 --> 00:02:04.400 Okay. 00:02:05.300 --> 00:02:07.439 Everyone, it's probably a fire. 00:02:07.939 --> 00:02:08.920 So we need to get up. 00:02:09.319 --> 00:02:11.700 Can you please go? 00:02:11.960 --> 00:02:13.659 There's fire exits there and there. 00:02:14.140 --> 00:02:16.860 Please save the lift for those who are... 00:02:16.860 --> 00:02:17.300 Yeah, okay. 00:02:18.040 --> 00:02:18.560 Never mind. 00:02:18.659 --> 00:02:19.259 Sit down again. 00:02:19.259 --> 00:02:24.259 Didn't go quite as planned, but... 00:02:24.259 --> 00:02:26.139 I don't know. 00:02:29.019 --> 00:02:31.359 So, I don't know. 00:02:32.039 --> 00:02:32.399 Yeah. 00:02:32.539 --> 00:02:34.239 It was hard to get it, make it sound real. 00:02:34.340 --> 00:02:35.780 But a fire alarm, right? 00:02:35.819 --> 00:02:37.259 It's really... 00:02:37.819 --> 00:02:38.959 We don't do this every week. 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:41.419 If you're visiting, this is only a stunt that we... 00:02:41.419 --> 00:02:42.759 You know, we've never done this. 00:02:45.459 --> 00:02:46.399 No, but seriously. 00:02:46.399 --> 00:02:48.959 Have you ever been in a real fire? 00:02:49.259 --> 00:02:49.739 No. 00:02:50.719 --> 00:02:52.379 Fires are dangerous, right? 00:02:53.039 --> 00:02:54.179 Fires are deadly. 00:02:55.359 --> 00:02:57.599 I once was in a fire when I was a student. 00:02:58.539 --> 00:03:00.819 I was living in student halls. 00:03:01.679 --> 00:03:03.439 And, yeah, someone... 00:03:03.439 --> 00:03:05.439 Some other students in another part of the building, 00:03:05.859 --> 00:03:09.459 he fell asleep with a cigarette in his mouth on a vinyl sofa. 00:03:09.659 --> 00:03:12.479 And so the sofa, yeah, burst into flames. 00:03:12.680 --> 00:03:13.620 And there was a fire. 00:03:13.799 --> 00:03:15.039 And we had to get out. 00:03:15.039 --> 00:03:18.259 And this was January in Holland, 5 a.m. 00:03:18.259 --> 00:03:19.219 So it was freezing. 00:03:20.000 --> 00:03:22.799 And so we were all outside in our pajamas and winter coats. 00:03:23.039 --> 00:03:25.439 But, you know, we didn't mind, right? 00:03:25.479 --> 00:03:29.819 Because there was this terrible burning smell that was kind of... 00:03:29.819 --> 00:03:31.280 And you could see the flames. 00:03:31.939 --> 00:03:32.079 Okay. 00:03:32.139 --> 00:03:33.199 There was a real fire. 00:03:33.199 --> 00:03:34.739 And so we were glad to be outside. 00:03:35.839 --> 00:03:37.699 I mean, maybe you've seen the news in California. 00:03:38.259 --> 00:03:40.939 And you've seen the, you know, the destruction. 00:03:41.119 --> 00:03:42.519 All those houses on fire. 00:03:42.859 --> 00:03:44.060 Maybe you have family there. 00:03:44.799 --> 00:03:47.579 No, fires are deadly and dangerous. 00:03:48.159 --> 00:03:49.919 And that's why, yeah, fire alarms. 00:03:50.120 --> 00:03:54.799 They are loud and noisy because you're supposed to just drop everything and go out. 00:03:54.879 --> 00:03:56.459 And, you know, nothing matters more. 00:03:56.539 --> 00:03:57.139 There's a fire. 00:03:57.259 --> 00:03:57.879 You need to go. 00:03:57.879 --> 00:04:02.019 I don't know if maybe any parents here, if you thought, oh, my kids upstairs, fire. 00:04:02.359 --> 00:04:03.299 Yeah, that's the thing. 00:04:04.979 --> 00:04:09.299 And so the Bible says, actually, yeah, there is an alarm ringing. 00:04:09.460 --> 00:04:13.639 There is something far more dangerous and deadly coming. 00:04:13.639 --> 00:04:17.019 We are looking at Joel chapter 2. 00:04:17.699 --> 00:04:19.740 So if you have a bulletin, please take it. 00:04:20.079 --> 00:04:22.039 Or if you have a Bible, please open it up. 00:04:22.139 --> 00:04:24.959 It's one of the minor prophets, about two-thirds of the way in the Bible. 00:04:25.500 --> 00:04:28.759 But there's all kinds of things going on in the world. 00:04:29.419 --> 00:04:31.339 All kinds of things going on in our lives. 00:04:32.199 --> 00:04:36.519 But the Bible says that there's one big thing coming, a big fire. 00:04:36.740 --> 00:04:40.019 And that is the day of the Lord. 00:04:40.019 --> 00:04:43.199 And Joel, yeah, it's one of the minor prophets. 00:04:43.560 --> 00:04:45.419 We're not really clear when it was written. 00:04:46.120 --> 00:04:47.180 We do know the occasion. 00:04:47.319 --> 00:04:51.539 There was a locust plague in an agrarian society. 00:04:51.659 --> 00:04:53.560 I don't know if you know what locusts do. 00:04:53.659 --> 00:04:54.819 They destroy everything. 00:04:55.439 --> 00:04:57.560 So there was this locust plague coming. 00:04:58.079 --> 00:05:00.539 And, yeah, great alarm. 00:05:00.539 --> 00:05:03.799 And Joel, the prophet, he sees in this locust plague. 00:05:03.879 --> 00:05:05.560 He sees, okay, this is God's doing. 00:05:06.079 --> 00:05:09.560 This is God intervening in our lives. 00:05:09.560 --> 00:05:12.280 So he responds to that. 00:05:13.519 --> 00:05:14.980 Chapter 1 is about the locust. 00:05:15.060 --> 00:05:21.579 Chapter 2, which we're going to read, is more like a, it sounds like an army attacking Jerusalem. 00:05:21.579 --> 00:05:26.220 But it's just more a reimagining of, yeah, of the same locust plague. 00:05:26.340 --> 00:05:28.879 But, yeah, you can hear the day of the Lord. 00:05:28.879 --> 00:05:33.040 And, yeah, the big thing that, you know, I think God wants us to hear. 00:05:33.379 --> 00:05:34.660 We don't speak on it every week. 00:05:34.740 --> 00:05:35.800 But this is really true. 00:05:36.180 --> 00:05:38.939 The day of the Lord is coming. 00:05:39.560 --> 00:05:41.899 So let's look at Joel chapter 2. 00:05:42.040 --> 00:05:44.220 Because, yeah, it starts with an alarm, right? 00:05:44.319 --> 00:05:44.879 Verse 1. 00:05:45.280 --> 00:05:46.740 Blow a trumpet in Zion. 00:05:47.180 --> 00:05:49.300 Sound an alarm on my holy mountain. 00:05:49.560 --> 00:05:49.740 Right? 00:05:49.819 --> 00:05:50.480 An alarm. 00:05:51.019 --> 00:05:53.560 Why let all the inhabitants of the land tremble? 00:05:53.879 --> 00:05:56.240 For the day of the Lord is coming. 00:05:56.920 --> 00:05:57.899 It is near. 00:05:59.120 --> 00:06:00.160 And what is that like? 00:06:00.160 --> 00:06:01.260 It's a day of darkness. 00:06:01.260 --> 00:06:01.820 Verse 2. 00:06:01.820 --> 00:06:04.060 A day of darkness and gloom. 00:06:04.180 --> 00:06:06.500 A day of clouds and thick darkness. 00:06:07.180 --> 00:06:09.800 Like blackness there is spread upon the mountains. 00:06:10.220 --> 00:06:12.000 A great and powerful people. 00:06:12.440 --> 00:06:14.180 Their like has never been before. 00:06:14.640 --> 00:06:16.440 Nor it will be again after them. 00:06:16.760 --> 00:06:18.879 Through the years of all generation. 00:06:19.740 --> 00:06:21.180 Fire devours before them. 00:06:21.440 --> 00:06:23.220 And behind them a flame burns. 00:06:23.220 --> 00:06:26.240 The land is like the garden of Eden before them. 00:06:26.580 --> 00:06:28.520 But behind them a desolate wilderness. 00:06:29.240 --> 00:06:30.640 And nothing escapes them. 00:06:31.440 --> 00:06:32.840 And a total destruction. 00:06:33.160 --> 00:06:34.500 And it's so scary. 00:06:34.760 --> 00:06:37.040 Their appearance is like the appearance of horses. 00:06:37.580 --> 00:06:39.400 And like war horses they run. 00:06:39.760 --> 00:06:41.280 As with the rambling of chariots. 00:06:41.380 --> 00:06:43.220 They leap on the tops of the mountains. 00:06:43.720 --> 00:06:45.800 Like the cracking of a flame of fire. 00:06:45.900 --> 00:06:47.040 Devouring the stubble. 00:06:47.240 --> 00:06:49.740 Like a powerful army drawn up for battle. 00:06:49.740 --> 00:06:52.220 Before them peoples are in anguish. 00:06:52.720 --> 00:06:54.480 All faces grow pale. 00:06:55.579 --> 00:06:56.800 And they're just unstoppable. 00:06:57.340 --> 00:06:58.920 Like warriors they charge. 00:06:59.040 --> 00:07:00.639 Like soldiers they scale the wall. 00:07:00.980 --> 00:07:02.319 They march each on his way. 00:07:02.439 --> 00:07:04.180 They do not swerve from their paths. 00:07:04.600 --> 00:07:05.980 They do not jostle one another. 00:07:06.379 --> 00:07:07.840 Each marches in his path. 00:07:08.000 --> 00:07:09.420 They burst through the weapons. 00:07:09.780 --> 00:07:10.920 And are not halted. 00:07:11.360 --> 00:07:12.840 They leap upon the city. 00:07:13.240 --> 00:07:14.639 They run upon the walls. 00:07:15.060 --> 00:07:16.540 They climb up into the houses. 00:07:16.540 --> 00:07:19.439 They enter through the windows like a thief. 00:07:20.319 --> 00:07:21.740 And it just can't be stopped. 00:07:22.240 --> 00:07:23.079 And again darkness. 00:07:23.259 --> 00:07:24.759 The earth quakes before them. 00:07:24.840 --> 00:07:25.860 The heavens tremble. 00:07:26.199 --> 00:07:28.139 The sun and the moon are darkened. 00:07:28.340 --> 00:07:30.720 And the stars withdraw their shining. 00:07:31.460 --> 00:07:32.500 And the scariest thing. 00:07:32.879 --> 00:07:35.860 The Lord utters his voice before his army. 00:07:36.379 --> 00:07:38.540 For his camp is exceedingly great. 00:07:38.939 --> 00:07:41.319 He who executes his word is powerful. 00:07:41.759 --> 00:07:44.079 For the day of the Lord is great. 00:07:44.079 --> 00:07:45.560 And very awesome. 00:07:46.160 --> 00:07:47.800 Who can endure it? 00:07:47.800 --> 00:07:51.980 And it's such a scary reading. 00:07:51.980 --> 00:07:54.259 Of this unstoppable army. 00:07:54.520 --> 00:07:55.759 Attacking this city. 00:07:55.879 --> 00:07:57.120 And just going everywhere. 00:07:58.500 --> 00:08:00.480 Now what is the day of the Lord? 00:08:00.600 --> 00:08:02.699 It's a very strange biblical phrase. 00:08:03.360 --> 00:08:05.540 Well it's the moment when God intervenes. 00:08:05.540 --> 00:08:07.540 When he puts things right. 00:08:07.759 --> 00:08:09.480 When he shows up. 00:08:09.660 --> 00:08:10.580 And sorts things out. 00:08:11.980 --> 00:08:13.400 Let me give you a silly illustration. 00:08:13.399 --> 00:08:15.879 I mean there's a family living in an apartment. 00:08:16.819 --> 00:08:19.579 And mom is in the living room. 00:08:19.739 --> 00:08:20.839 Scrolling on her phone. 00:08:20.939 --> 00:08:21.919 And having a cup of coffee. 00:08:22.379 --> 00:08:25.919 And then next door are her two children playing. 00:08:26.439 --> 00:08:27.659 And she can hear them play. 00:08:27.799 --> 00:08:28.379 And it's okay. 00:08:28.659 --> 00:08:30.000 And then at some point though. 00:08:30.079 --> 00:08:31.759 The voices get a bit louder. 00:08:32.100 --> 00:08:33.279 And they get raised. 00:08:33.399 --> 00:08:35.259 But you know she just has another cup of coffee. 00:08:36.039 --> 00:08:37.700 But then at some point yeah. 00:08:37.819 --> 00:08:38.419 A noise. 00:08:38.620 --> 00:08:39.360 And crying. 00:08:39.740 --> 00:08:40.960 And well what does she do? 00:08:41.039 --> 00:08:41.960 She puts down the coffee. 00:08:42.460 --> 00:08:43.299 And she gets up. 00:08:43.939 --> 00:08:44.899 And what comes now? 00:08:45.620 --> 00:08:46.779 The day of mommy. 00:08:47.399 --> 00:08:47.639 Right? 00:08:48.319 --> 00:08:49.659 Mommy steps in. 00:08:49.799 --> 00:08:51.539 And she sorts things out. 00:08:51.659 --> 00:08:51.879 Right? 00:08:52.439 --> 00:08:54.000 Maybe they both need punishment. 00:08:54.659 --> 00:08:55.819 Maybe one needs punishment. 00:08:55.819 --> 00:08:56.860 And the other needs a hug. 00:08:56.919 --> 00:08:57.419 And a cuddle. 00:08:57.639 --> 00:08:58.419 To comfort her. 00:08:58.500 --> 00:09:00.480 But she shows she's in charge. 00:09:00.580 --> 00:09:00.679 Right? 00:09:00.740 --> 00:09:01.319 She shows. 00:09:01.980 --> 00:09:03.200 She makes things right. 00:09:03.200 --> 00:09:04.440 She brings justice. 00:09:05.080 --> 00:09:07.320 And that is basically the day of the Lord. 00:09:07.400 --> 00:09:09.259 It's when God shows up. 00:09:09.400 --> 00:09:10.400 And puts things right. 00:09:10.500 --> 00:09:11.460 Shows that he's in charge. 00:09:11.480 --> 00:09:12.140 That he's there. 00:09:12.759 --> 00:09:13.960 Because you see the world. 00:09:14.060 --> 00:09:14.879 And it looks like. 00:09:15.200 --> 00:09:16.400 So often God isn't there. 00:09:16.440 --> 00:09:16.640 Right? 00:09:17.280 --> 00:09:19.440 There's so many people living whatever way they want. 00:09:19.500 --> 00:09:20.780 And worshiping all kinds of gods. 00:09:21.040 --> 00:09:22.180 And nothing happens to them. 00:09:22.840 --> 00:09:23.540 Where is God? 00:09:24.320 --> 00:09:25.720 There's all kinds of people suffering. 00:09:26.040 --> 00:09:27.379 And the weak being oppressed. 00:09:28.420 --> 00:09:29.620 And where is God? 00:09:30.879 --> 00:09:31.280 Well. 00:09:31.940 --> 00:09:32.700 Sometimes God. 00:09:33.200 --> 00:09:34.259 He steps in. 00:09:34.340 --> 00:09:35.100 In a big way. 00:09:35.500 --> 00:09:36.200 And makes clear. 00:09:36.259 --> 00:09:36.379 No. 00:09:36.420 --> 00:09:36.879 I'm here. 00:09:36.960 --> 00:09:37.560 And I'm just. 00:09:37.660 --> 00:09:38.800 And he sorts things out. 00:09:39.340 --> 00:09:41.040 That is the day of the Lord. 00:09:41.180 --> 00:09:42.280 When he makes everything. 00:09:42.500 --> 00:09:42.780 Well. 00:09:42.840 --> 00:09:43.660 The Lord's way. 00:09:43.740 --> 00:09:44.900 According to his character. 00:09:45.580 --> 00:09:45.860 Right? 00:09:45.900 --> 00:09:47.700 When he judges sinners. 00:09:47.840 --> 00:09:49.040 And when he saves his people. 00:09:49.040 --> 00:09:50.940 That is the day of the Lord. 00:09:51.040 --> 00:09:52.879 And that can come a number of times. 00:09:53.560 --> 00:09:54.840 Israel at a day of the Lord. 00:09:54.980 --> 00:09:56.200 Judah at a day of the Lord. 00:09:56.200 --> 00:09:57.700 Babylon at a day of the Lord. 00:09:58.320 --> 00:09:59.280 And so on. 00:10:00.120 --> 00:10:00.379 Now. 00:10:00.580 --> 00:10:01.960 We think of it as judgment day. 00:10:01.960 --> 00:10:03.180 But it's basically because. 00:10:03.560 --> 00:10:04.340 Most people are sinners. 00:10:04.340 --> 00:10:04.580 Right? 00:10:04.759 --> 00:10:05.420 We're all sinners. 00:10:05.420 --> 00:10:05.840 And so. 00:10:05.960 --> 00:10:07.420 Usually when God shows up. 00:10:07.500 --> 00:10:08.300 It's judgment. 00:10:08.540 --> 00:10:09.879 And hence this dark. 00:10:10.379 --> 00:10:11.340 Terrifying vision. 00:10:11.879 --> 00:10:12.280 And so. 00:10:12.420 --> 00:10:13.139 Joel says. 00:10:13.600 --> 00:10:15.000 We need to act now. 00:10:15.100 --> 00:10:16.040 Before it's too late. 00:10:16.100 --> 00:10:16.379 And he. 00:10:16.379 --> 00:10:17.879 He sounds the alarm. 00:10:17.879 --> 00:10:18.159 Right? 00:10:19.000 --> 00:10:20.539 And it's not just Joel. 00:10:20.840 --> 00:10:22.600 God encourages them to return. 00:10:23.320 --> 00:10:24.539 And look at verse 12. 00:10:25.419 --> 00:10:26.299 Yet even now. 00:10:26.399 --> 00:10:27.399 Declares the Lord. 00:10:27.840 --> 00:10:28.799 Return to me. 00:10:28.980 --> 00:10:30.080 With all your heart. 00:10:30.279 --> 00:10:31.240 With fasting. 00:10:31.399 --> 00:10:32.139 With weeping. 00:10:32.519 --> 00:10:33.379 And with mourning. 00:10:33.980 --> 00:10:35.100 And rent your hearts. 00:10:35.220 --> 00:10:36.159 And not your garments. 00:10:36.840 --> 00:10:37.039 Right? 00:10:37.139 --> 00:10:37.539 It's a. 00:10:37.799 --> 00:10:38.840 Come back to me. 00:10:38.960 --> 00:10:40.879 If judgment is because of sin. 00:10:41.220 --> 00:10:43.000 Then the right response is repentance. 00:10:43.159 --> 00:10:44.399 Is to come back to God. 00:10:44.399 --> 00:10:46.220 And he appeals to God's. 00:10:46.579 --> 00:10:46.759 You know. 00:10:46.759 --> 00:10:47.939 Joel appeals to God's mercy. 00:10:48.319 --> 00:10:49.919 Return to the Lord your God. 00:10:50.000 --> 00:10:50.459 For he is. 00:10:50.879 --> 00:10:51.399 Gracious. 00:10:51.480 --> 00:10:52.159 And merciful. 00:10:52.679 --> 00:10:53.659 Slow to anger. 00:10:54.159 --> 00:10:55.720 Abounding in steadfast love. 00:10:55.759 --> 00:10:57.059 And he relents over disaster. 00:10:58.379 --> 00:11:00.059 Maybe you remember from a year ago. 00:11:00.139 --> 00:11:00.919 We preached on this. 00:11:00.959 --> 00:11:01.360 It's from this. 00:11:01.840 --> 00:11:02.759 Classic moment. 00:11:02.939 --> 00:11:04.100 In Israel's history. 00:11:04.100 --> 00:11:05.679 When they were nearly wiped out. 00:11:05.879 --> 00:11:07.139 Because of the golden calf. 00:11:08.019 --> 00:11:08.279 And. 00:11:08.939 --> 00:11:09.360 Yeah. 00:11:09.480 --> 00:11:10.699 But God showed that. 00:11:11.559 --> 00:11:12.840 He is a God of mercy. 00:11:12.939 --> 00:11:14.100 And we can come back to him. 00:11:14.399 --> 00:11:15.899 And so that's what they do. 00:11:16.039 --> 00:11:16.759 Verse 15. 00:11:17.120 --> 00:11:18.620 Blow the trumpet in Zion. 00:11:19.120 --> 00:11:20.159 Consecrate a fast. 00:11:20.319 --> 00:11:21.360 Call the solemn assembly. 00:11:21.759 --> 00:11:22.480 Gather the people. 00:11:22.879 --> 00:11:23.959 Consecrate the congregation. 00:11:24.159 --> 00:11:24.959 Assemble the elders. 00:11:25.139 --> 00:11:25.860 Gather the children. 00:11:26.240 --> 00:11:27.419 Even nursing infants. 00:11:27.519 --> 00:11:27.639 Right? 00:11:27.679 --> 00:11:28.039 They have this. 00:11:28.139 --> 00:11:29.799 This huge prayer meeting. 00:11:29.899 --> 00:11:31.019 And they all get together. 00:11:31.279 --> 00:11:32.199 Even the babies. 00:11:32.360 --> 00:11:32.919 And they pray. 00:11:33.059 --> 00:11:33.779 And they fast. 00:11:33.860 --> 00:11:35.299 And they call on God. 00:11:35.419 --> 00:11:35.600 To. 00:11:35.959 --> 00:11:36.639 To stop. 00:11:36.959 --> 00:11:37.819 To relent. 00:11:37.919 --> 00:11:39.000 They return to him. 00:11:39.480 --> 00:11:40.199 And guess what? 00:11:41.079 --> 00:11:41.939 It works. 00:11:41.940 --> 00:11:43.960 Verse 18. 00:11:44.520 --> 00:11:46.880 Then the Lord became jealous for his land. 00:11:47.020 --> 00:11:48.540 And had pity on his people. 00:11:49.280 --> 00:11:50.940 He had pity on them. 00:11:51.180 --> 00:11:52.500 And there's rejoicing. 00:11:52.660 --> 00:11:53.840 And instead of the locusts. 00:11:53.920 --> 00:11:56.100 There's grain and oil and wine. 00:11:56.580 --> 00:11:57.620 Verse 23. 00:11:57.880 --> 00:11:58.500 Be glad. 00:11:58.580 --> 00:11:59.560 O children of Zion. 00:11:59.940 --> 00:12:02.000 And rejoice in the Lord your God. 00:12:02.440 --> 00:12:04.020 The judgment is averted. 00:12:04.180 --> 00:12:05.360 Instead there's blessing. 00:12:05.520 --> 00:12:06.420 Gracious blessing. 00:12:06.419 --> 00:12:08.319 From a gracious God. 00:12:10.079 --> 00:12:10.679 That's a. 00:12:10.759 --> 00:12:10.919 Yeah. 00:12:10.959 --> 00:12:12.000 It's a wonderful ending. 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:14.379 To what could be a terrible event. 00:12:15.919 --> 00:12:17.099 Now of course you may wonder. 00:12:17.240 --> 00:12:17.659 So what? 00:12:17.740 --> 00:12:19.639 This is two and a half thousand years ago. 00:12:19.719 --> 00:12:20.339 In Jerusalem. 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:22.819 Does that have anything to do with me? 00:12:22.979 --> 00:12:24.039 With us today? 00:12:24.959 --> 00:12:25.279 Well. 00:12:26.139 --> 00:12:27.699 Joel does something very interesting. 00:12:27.899 --> 00:12:29.459 Because as you continue in the chapter. 00:12:30.559 --> 00:12:32.299 He seems to jump to the future. 00:12:33.439 --> 00:12:33.599 Right? 00:12:33.600 --> 00:12:34.659 Because in verse. 00:12:34.960 --> 00:12:36.220 He talks about his locust plague. 00:12:36.340 --> 00:12:37.240 And then verse 28. 00:12:38.120 --> 00:12:40.080 And it shall come to pass afterwards. 00:12:40.639 --> 00:12:42.300 That I will pour out my spirit. 00:12:42.379 --> 00:12:43.000 And all flesh. 00:12:43.279 --> 00:12:44.600 Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. 00:12:45.300 --> 00:12:46.840 Your old men shall dream dreams. 00:12:47.159 --> 00:12:48.899 Your young men shall see visions. 00:12:49.399 --> 00:12:50.820 And there's something after. 00:12:51.360 --> 00:12:52.139 The day of the Lord. 00:12:53.080 --> 00:12:54.000 But then you read on. 00:12:54.300 --> 00:12:54.980 Verse 30. 00:12:55.100 --> 00:12:56.500 And I will show wonders in the heavens. 00:12:56.600 --> 00:12:57.120 And on the earth. 00:12:57.220 --> 00:12:57.960 Blood and fire. 00:12:58.040 --> 00:12:58.980 And columns of smoke. 00:12:59.279 --> 00:13:00.980 The sun shall be during the darkness. 00:13:01.100 --> 00:13:01.899 The moon to blood. 00:13:01.899 --> 00:13:04.939 Before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. 00:13:06.019 --> 00:13:07.120 Now I don't know if you've ever read that. 00:13:07.199 --> 00:13:07.919 And thought that's weird. 00:13:08.019 --> 00:13:08.139 Right? 00:13:08.179 --> 00:13:09.139 We have the day of the Lord. 00:13:09.379 --> 00:13:10.379 And then afterwards. 00:13:10.379 --> 00:13:11.559 The spirit is poured out. 00:13:11.620 --> 00:13:13.100 And then we get the great day of the Lord. 00:13:14.059 --> 00:13:14.419 Well. 00:13:14.919 --> 00:13:17.360 That's because there is more than one day of the Lord. 00:13:17.419 --> 00:13:19.779 And there is a future day of the Lord. 00:13:19.779 --> 00:13:20.860 That he's talking about. 00:13:20.980 --> 00:13:23.100 And this is on the whole world. 00:13:23.600 --> 00:13:23.959 Right? 00:13:24.039 --> 00:13:26.519 Because he will pour out his spirit on all flesh. 00:13:26.519 --> 00:13:28.319 And verse 32. 00:13:28.480 --> 00:13:29.480 And it shall come to pass. 00:13:29.600 --> 00:13:33.100 That everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 00:13:33.460 --> 00:13:34.639 So this is bigger. 00:13:34.740 --> 00:13:35.779 This is not just Jerusalem. 00:13:35.980 --> 00:13:37.220 This is the whole world. 00:13:38.159 --> 00:13:41.699 And also it's interesting that it's individual. 00:13:42.240 --> 00:13:42.460 Right? 00:13:42.480 --> 00:13:45.860 It says everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 00:13:46.659 --> 00:13:48.439 I mean with locusts you don't get that. 00:13:48.600 --> 00:13:49.559 If the locusts come. 00:13:49.980 --> 00:13:51.480 Either they destroy everything. 00:13:52.139 --> 00:13:52.840 Or nothing. 00:13:53.000 --> 00:13:53.379 But they. 00:13:53.980 --> 00:13:54.139 Right? 00:13:54.139 --> 00:13:55.799 There's no distinction between people. 00:13:55.899 --> 00:13:58.039 But here it's those who come. 00:13:59.080 --> 00:13:59.340 Yeah. 00:13:59.480 --> 00:14:01.480 Those who call on the name of the Lord. 00:14:03.259 --> 00:14:04.100 Individuals get saved. 00:14:04.199 --> 00:14:05.539 And yet it's the same kind of day. 00:14:05.679 --> 00:14:05.819 Right? 00:14:05.899 --> 00:14:06.299 It's the. 00:14:06.720 --> 00:14:08.319 Again the sun is turned to darkness. 00:14:08.480 --> 00:14:09.259 The moon to blood. 00:14:09.559 --> 00:14:10.939 It's called the day of the Lord. 00:14:11.340 --> 00:14:13.139 It's even the same way of escaping. 00:14:13.960 --> 00:14:16.939 It says everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. 00:14:17.100 --> 00:14:20.659 Now the name of the Lord isn't Peter or James or John. 00:14:20.659 --> 00:14:21.200 A label. 00:14:21.819 --> 00:14:21.939 No. 00:14:21.980 --> 00:14:23.639 The name of the Lord is his character. 00:14:24.139 --> 00:14:25.179 And so in Exodus. 00:14:26.199 --> 00:14:27.720 What did God say? 00:14:28.580 --> 00:14:28.699 That. 00:14:29.000 --> 00:14:29.439 You know. 00:14:29.519 --> 00:14:29.600 That. 00:14:30.199 --> 00:14:31.779 The Lord descended in the cloud. 00:14:31.879 --> 00:14:32.679 And stood with him there. 00:14:32.799 --> 00:14:34.500 And proclaimed the name of the Lord. 00:14:35.039 --> 00:14:36.299 The Lord passed before him. 00:14:36.360 --> 00:14:37.159 And proclaimed the Lord. 00:14:37.199 --> 00:14:37.439 The Lord. 00:14:37.480 --> 00:14:38.600 The God merciful and gracious. 00:14:38.960 --> 00:14:40.139 The fact that he's merciful. 00:14:40.340 --> 00:14:40.960 And gracious. 00:14:41.179 --> 00:14:42.059 And slow to anger. 00:14:42.419 --> 00:14:43.639 That is his name. 00:14:43.939 --> 00:14:44.179 So. 00:14:44.439 --> 00:14:46.220 It's the same thing as verse 13. 00:14:46.279 --> 00:14:46.559 14. 00:14:47.679 --> 00:14:47.899 Right? 00:14:47.899 --> 00:14:49.659 So. 00:14:50.159 --> 00:14:51.059 Here is the thing. 00:14:51.139 --> 00:14:52.819 It's basically the same kind of day. 00:14:52.819 --> 00:14:54.039 But slightly different. 00:14:54.259 --> 00:14:55.340 For the whole world. 00:14:56.240 --> 00:14:57.759 And just like the cross. 00:14:57.860 --> 00:15:00.279 Is the greater version of the sacrifices. 00:15:00.679 --> 00:15:02.399 And Jesus is the greater king. 00:15:02.899 --> 00:15:04.720 So the great day of the Lord. 00:15:04.879 --> 00:15:06.559 Is this bigger version of. 00:15:06.919 --> 00:15:07.659 The small. 00:15:07.840 --> 00:15:08.600 Locust plague. 00:15:09.259 --> 00:15:10.659 But it's the same kind of thing. 00:15:11.740 --> 00:15:12.220 And so. 00:15:12.480 --> 00:15:13.519 I hope that makes sense. 00:15:13.600 --> 00:15:14.200 But basically. 00:15:14.360 --> 00:15:15.639 This is relevant for us. 00:15:15.680 --> 00:15:15.820 Right? 00:15:15.879 --> 00:15:17.440 This is for all flesh. 00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:19.399 And the spirit was poured out. 00:15:19.480 --> 00:15:20.519 2000 years ago. 00:15:20.659 --> 00:15:21.600 We know this is quoted. 00:15:21.600 --> 00:15:23.200 In Acts chapter 2. 00:15:23.279 --> 00:15:24.600 Just after Jesus went to heaven. 00:15:24.800 --> 00:15:26.200 When the spirit was poured out. 00:15:27.519 --> 00:15:28.519 But that is basically. 00:15:28.620 --> 00:15:29.720 The sobering reality. 00:15:29.980 --> 00:15:31.659 There is a day of the Lord. 00:15:31.920 --> 00:15:33.259 Coming on the whole world. 00:15:34.100 --> 00:15:35.899 And the fire alarm is ringing. 00:15:36.540 --> 00:15:37.899 It's an urgent warning. 00:15:38.600 --> 00:15:39.600 Joel says. 00:15:39.840 --> 00:15:40.779 There is a big day. 00:15:41.200 --> 00:15:41.440 Coming. 00:15:41.840 --> 00:15:43.519 And there is all kinds of problems. 00:15:43.600 --> 00:15:43.720 Right? 00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:44.779 There's wars in Ukraine. 00:15:44.899 --> 00:15:45.820 And in the Middle East. 00:15:46.040 --> 00:15:47.620 And the economy is terrible. 00:15:47.899 --> 00:15:48.639 And you know. 00:15:48.680 --> 00:15:49.860 There's climate change. 00:15:49.980 --> 00:15:51.779 And the risk of nuclear war. 00:15:52.420 --> 00:15:53.659 And maybe personally. 00:15:53.659 --> 00:15:54.960 You're facing unemployment. 00:15:56.200 --> 00:15:56.800 Illnesses. 00:15:57.720 --> 00:15:58.320 You know. 00:15:58.360 --> 00:15:59.379 Family conflict. 00:16:00.100 --> 00:16:00.340 You know. 00:16:00.360 --> 00:16:01.460 We're so much more aware. 00:16:01.460 --> 00:16:02.980 Of everything going on in the world. 00:16:03.100 --> 00:16:04.240 And yet the Bible says. 00:16:04.379 --> 00:16:05.440 The greatest problem. 00:16:06.120 --> 00:16:06.840 Is our sin. 00:16:06.840 --> 00:16:10.160 The way we have rejected God. 00:16:10.340 --> 00:16:12.540 And the fact that judgment is coming. 00:16:13.200 --> 00:16:14.860 And we don't talk about that all the time. 00:16:14.960 --> 00:16:15.800 But yeah. 00:16:15.899 --> 00:16:16.820 It's in the Bible. 00:16:16.940 --> 00:16:17.080 Right? 00:16:17.139 --> 00:16:17.259 We. 00:16:17.800 --> 00:16:19.220 The day of the Lord will come. 00:16:19.580 --> 00:16:21.000 And it will be like a fire. 00:16:21.160 --> 00:16:22.000 It will be dark. 00:16:22.000 --> 00:16:22.940 And terrifying. 00:16:23.180 --> 00:16:24.240 And you've heard the reading. 00:16:25.240 --> 00:16:26.639 That's what's coming on the whole world. 00:16:26.700 --> 00:16:27.940 It's not an uplifting message. 00:16:27.940 --> 00:16:28.440 But it's. 00:16:29.160 --> 00:16:30.060 It's the truth. 00:16:31.240 --> 00:16:33.000 Although we need to make sure we hear it right. 00:16:33.080 --> 00:16:33.220 Right? 00:16:33.220 --> 00:16:34.279 Because you hear this. 00:16:35.139 --> 00:16:35.820 And I don't know. 00:16:35.879 --> 00:16:38.000 It sounds to me like a Lord of the Rings movie. 00:16:38.160 --> 00:16:38.360 Right? 00:16:39.139 --> 00:16:40.480 This army attacking. 00:16:41.019 --> 00:16:42.139 And you think of. 00:16:42.220 --> 00:16:42.480 I don't know. 00:16:42.519 --> 00:16:43.840 The Battle of Helms Deep. 00:16:44.259 --> 00:16:45.399 If you've seen the movies. 00:16:45.460 --> 00:16:45.620 Right? 00:16:45.639 --> 00:16:46.480 You know what it's like. 00:16:46.519 --> 00:16:47.259 It's dark. 00:16:47.420 --> 00:16:49.360 And the rain is pounding down. 00:16:49.779 --> 00:16:52.500 And all the women and children are hiding in the dungeon. 00:16:53.120 --> 00:16:55.580 And there's 300 old men looking for swords. 00:16:55.840 --> 00:16:57.019 And outside the wall. 00:16:57.019 --> 00:16:58.800 There's 10,000 orcs. 00:16:58.960 --> 00:17:00.920 Who are planning to kill everyone. 00:17:00.919 --> 00:17:02.559 And you read that. 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:03.139 You see that. 00:17:03.339 --> 00:17:03.879 And ugh. 00:17:04.159 --> 00:17:04.379 Right? 00:17:04.440 --> 00:17:05.159 And you read this. 00:17:05.240 --> 00:17:05.720 And you think. 00:17:06.500 --> 00:17:07.180 God is. 00:17:07.700 --> 00:17:07.839 Yeah. 00:17:07.839 --> 00:17:08.720 I don't want this God. 00:17:08.779 --> 00:17:08.920 Right? 00:17:08.940 --> 00:17:09.940 He's so terrible. 00:17:11.180 --> 00:17:12.599 But that picture is wrong. 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:14.319 Because the thing is. 00:17:14.359 --> 00:17:15.559 Those orcs are evil. 00:17:16.240 --> 00:17:18.200 And those humans are innocent. 00:17:19.319 --> 00:17:21.539 But that's not the Bible's picture of us. 00:17:21.619 --> 00:17:22.960 The Bible says that all humans. 00:17:23.119 --> 00:17:24.119 We've rejected God. 00:17:24.200 --> 00:17:25.879 We've rebelled against the one who made us. 00:17:25.879 --> 00:17:26.980 We've lived our own way. 00:17:27.639 --> 00:17:29.220 We've treated each other terribly. 00:17:29.420 --> 00:17:29.599 Right? 00:17:29.599 --> 00:17:31.199 God is God's image bearers. 00:17:31.939 --> 00:17:35.119 Even the best things we do are tainted by selfishness everywhere. 00:17:36.839 --> 00:17:38.699 And if you want to think of Lord of the Rings. 00:17:39.779 --> 00:17:41.799 It's good that God intervenes. 00:17:41.879 --> 00:17:42.039 Right? 00:17:42.559 --> 00:17:44.179 I mean that mom going to. 00:17:44.779 --> 00:17:45.919 When her kids are fighting. 00:17:46.259 --> 00:17:47.679 That's good that she intervenes. 00:17:47.740 --> 00:17:47.899 Right? 00:17:47.919 --> 00:17:50.019 It's good if God intervenes in the world. 00:17:50.980 --> 00:17:52.059 Think of Lord of the Rings. 00:17:52.159 --> 00:17:54.159 Maybe think of a white army of elves. 00:17:54.159 --> 00:17:55.439 With long flowing hair. 00:17:55.879 --> 00:17:56.879 And they go into Mordor. 00:17:57.039 --> 00:17:59.059 And they kill every lost orc. 00:17:59.599 --> 00:18:01.459 To make Middle Earth safe again. 00:18:01.559 --> 00:18:02.639 That's a good picture. 00:18:03.039 --> 00:18:04.500 It's still a brutal picture. 00:18:04.639 --> 00:18:05.679 But it's a good picture. 00:18:06.480 --> 00:18:08.599 And maybe that is more what we need to have in mind. 00:18:09.519 --> 00:18:12.259 And judgment is a good thing. 00:18:12.379 --> 00:18:14.579 Because it makes the world good again. 00:18:14.679 --> 00:18:15.199 And safe. 00:18:15.319 --> 00:18:15.799 And just. 00:18:16.899 --> 00:18:19.980 But it means we need to return. 00:18:20.740 --> 00:18:21.579 Heed the warning. 00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:22.259 Return. 00:18:22.500 --> 00:18:23.459 Be ready. 00:18:23.460 --> 00:18:24.460 It's huge. 00:18:24.539 --> 00:18:25.259 It's dreadful. 00:18:25.319 --> 00:18:26.180 It's not here yet. 00:18:26.539 --> 00:18:28.279 But you can escape. 00:18:28.600 --> 00:18:28.779 Right? 00:18:29.140 --> 00:18:30.240 Again verse 12. 00:18:30.579 --> 00:18:31.519 Yet even now. 00:18:31.880 --> 00:18:32.840 Return to me. 00:18:32.900 --> 00:18:33.460 Says the Lord. 00:18:33.860 --> 00:18:35.680 Return to me with all your heart. 00:18:36.759 --> 00:18:36.900 Yeah? 00:18:37.420 --> 00:18:38.940 Now notice it's God's initiative. 00:18:39.140 --> 00:18:39.340 Right? 00:18:40.059 --> 00:18:41.960 If God really wanted to destroy people. 00:18:42.019 --> 00:18:42.900 He would just do it. 00:18:43.460 --> 00:18:45.019 But he wants to save. 00:18:45.559 --> 00:18:46.600 Justice needs to come. 00:18:46.640 --> 00:18:48.039 But he wants to rescue people. 00:18:48.120 --> 00:18:49.579 He wants people to come back to him. 00:18:49.799 --> 00:18:50.940 That's why there's a warning. 00:18:51.740 --> 00:18:51.860 Right? 00:18:51.900 --> 00:18:52.980 The point of a fire alarm. 00:18:53.120 --> 00:18:54.680 Is that people can be saved. 00:18:54.720 --> 00:18:55.320 Can escape. 00:18:56.000 --> 00:18:56.120 Right? 00:18:56.220 --> 00:18:58.039 God wants people to come back to him. 00:18:58.059 --> 00:18:58.580 And escape. 00:18:59.120 --> 00:18:59.799 And so. 00:19:00.160 --> 00:19:00.440 Yeah. 00:19:00.799 --> 00:19:01.880 Come back to him. 00:19:01.880 --> 00:19:02.559 Which means. 00:19:02.700 --> 00:19:03.420 Well if it's sin. 00:19:03.580 --> 00:19:03.759 Means. 00:19:04.500 --> 00:19:04.900 Repenting. 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:05.820 Means responding. 00:19:06.080 --> 00:19:06.220 Right? 00:19:07.080 --> 00:19:07.779 So weeping. 00:19:07.900 --> 00:19:08.380 And mourning. 00:19:08.700 --> 00:19:10.539 And stop going our own way. 00:19:10.720 --> 00:19:11.259 And yeah. 00:19:11.320 --> 00:19:12.860 Calling on the name of the Lord. 00:19:13.259 --> 00:19:14.480 As Peter puts it. 00:19:14.799 --> 00:19:14.980 You know. 00:19:15.100 --> 00:19:15.620 Repent. 00:19:15.759 --> 00:19:16.519 And be baptized. 00:19:17.180 --> 00:19:18.240 In the name of Jesus Christ. 00:19:18.320 --> 00:19:19.580 For the forgiveness of your sins. 00:19:19.660 --> 00:19:19.799 Right? 00:19:19.799 --> 00:19:21.279 Come back. 00:19:21.919 --> 00:19:22.680 And the thing is. 00:19:23.079 --> 00:19:24.619 Nothing matters more. 00:19:25.619 --> 00:19:26.359 What Joel says. 00:19:26.399 --> 00:19:27.339 More than any other book. 00:19:27.399 --> 00:19:27.639 Is that. 00:19:27.879 --> 00:19:29.460 This is the most important. 00:19:29.899 --> 00:19:30.779 Urgent thing. 00:19:31.099 --> 00:19:31.700 There is. 00:19:31.759 --> 00:19:32.919 You need to act now. 00:19:33.419 --> 00:19:34.419 And we've heard the urgency. 00:19:34.419 --> 00:19:35.240 In chapter 2. 00:19:35.659 --> 00:19:36.299 Chapter 1. 00:19:36.359 --> 00:19:36.980 Is the same. 00:19:37.519 --> 00:19:38.759 1 verse 5. 00:19:39.139 --> 00:19:39.500 Joel. 00:19:39.659 --> 00:19:40.619 He goes to the pub. 00:19:40.940 --> 00:19:41.980 Awake you drunkards. 00:19:42.079 --> 00:19:42.639 And weep. 00:19:42.899 --> 00:19:43.480 And wail. 00:19:43.599 --> 00:19:44.859 All you drinkers of wine. 00:19:45.319 --> 00:19:45.919 Verse 8. 00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:46.319 Lament. 00:19:46.480 --> 00:19:46.839 Lament. 00:19:46.839 --> 00:19:47.539 Like a virgin. 00:19:47.639 --> 00:19:48.339 Wearing sackcloth. 00:19:48.440 --> 00:19:49.079 For the bridegroom. 00:19:49.079 --> 00:19:49.679 Of her youth. 00:19:50.199 --> 00:19:51.039 Verse 11. 00:19:51.139 --> 00:19:51.980 He goes to the market. 00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:53.000 Be ashamed. 00:19:53.079 --> 00:19:54.099 O tillers of the soil. 00:19:54.539 --> 00:19:54.899 Wail. 00:19:54.980 --> 00:19:55.980 O vine dressers. 00:19:56.139 --> 00:19:57.139 He goes to the temple. 00:19:57.279 --> 00:19:57.980 Verse 13. 00:19:58.319 --> 00:19:59.099 Put on sackcloth. 00:19:59.179 --> 00:19:59.619 And lament. 00:19:59.679 --> 00:20:00.159 O priests. 00:20:00.539 --> 00:20:00.899 Wail. 00:20:00.980 --> 00:20:02.099 O ministers of the altar. 00:20:02.500 --> 00:20:02.899 Go in. 00:20:03.019 --> 00:20:04.359 Pass the night in sackcloth. 00:20:04.759 --> 00:20:05.419 Verse 14. 00:20:05.539 --> 00:20:06.480 Consecrate a fast. 00:20:06.599 --> 00:20:07.519 Call a solemn assembly. 00:20:07.899 --> 00:20:08.679 Gather the elders. 00:20:09.119 --> 00:20:09.259 Right? 00:20:09.559 --> 00:20:10.379 Do something. 00:20:10.859 --> 00:20:12.039 It's so urgent. 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:12.539 Again. 00:20:12.720 --> 00:20:12.960 2. 00:20:13.200 --> 00:20:13.899 Verse 15. 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:15.180 Blow the trumpet in Zion. 00:20:15.359 --> 00:20:16.220 Consecrate a fast. 00:20:16.339 --> 00:20:17.200 Call a solemn assembly. 00:20:17.559 --> 00:20:18.259 Gather the people. 00:20:18.440 --> 00:20:19.399 Consecrate a congregation. 00:20:19.619 --> 00:20:20.299 Assemble the elders. 00:20:20.619 --> 00:20:21.259 Gather the children. 00:20:21.539 --> 00:20:22.700 Even nursing infants. 00:20:23.039 --> 00:20:24.579 Let the bridegroom leave his room. 00:20:24.639 --> 00:20:25.700 And the bride her chamber. 00:20:26.399 --> 00:20:27.819 This comes before everything. 00:20:28.579 --> 00:20:28.819 I mean. 00:20:28.879 --> 00:20:30.019 I love that last detail. 00:20:30.159 --> 00:20:33.119 Let the bride and groom leave their chamber. 00:20:33.319 --> 00:20:34.439 A chamber is a bedroom. 00:20:35.099 --> 00:20:35.240 Right? 00:20:35.259 --> 00:20:36.480 This is a couple on honeymoon. 00:20:37.240 --> 00:20:38.119 On a wedding night. 00:20:38.960 --> 00:20:39.859 Can you imagine? 00:20:40.019 --> 00:20:40.200 Right? 00:20:40.339 --> 00:20:40.559 You. 00:20:40.819 --> 00:20:42.059 You're getting married. 00:20:42.200 --> 00:20:43.639 After years of dating. 00:20:44.139 --> 00:20:45.480 And a year of engagement. 00:20:46.159 --> 00:20:47.960 Finally the big day is here. 00:20:48.659 --> 00:20:48.899 Right? 00:20:48.899 --> 00:20:51.000 And you've had a wonderful wedding. 00:20:51.279 --> 00:20:52.919 But now it's 11 p.m. 00:20:53.000 --> 00:20:54.679 And all the guests are gone. 00:20:55.299 --> 00:20:56.799 And the two of you go to. 00:20:57.299 --> 00:20:57.539 You know. 00:20:57.619 --> 00:20:58.559 The honeymoon suite. 00:20:58.559 --> 00:20:59.879 And you've kept yourself pure. 00:21:00.019 --> 00:21:00.839 All these years. 00:21:01.099 --> 00:21:02.539 And this is your wedding night. 00:21:02.639 --> 00:21:03.000 And then you. 00:21:03.119 --> 00:21:04.240 You close the door. 00:21:04.339 --> 00:21:05.079 And lock the door. 00:21:05.200 --> 00:21:06.559 You've been reading the song of songs. 00:21:07.480 --> 00:21:07.700 Yeah? 00:21:08.659 --> 00:21:09.259 And then. 00:21:10.240 --> 00:21:10.980 Joel's at the door. 00:21:11.119 --> 00:21:11.500 Come on. 00:21:11.659 --> 00:21:12.659 The day of the Lord is coming. 00:21:12.759 --> 00:21:13.720 Come to the prayer meeting. 00:21:14.460 --> 00:21:14.559 And. 00:21:14.980 --> 00:21:15.399 And you're. 00:21:15.500 --> 00:21:15.960 Oh Joel. 00:21:16.059 --> 00:21:16.899 Can I come tomorrow? 00:21:17.639 --> 00:21:18.139 You know what? 00:21:18.279 --> 00:21:18.960 One hour. 00:21:18.960 --> 00:21:19.220 Okay? 00:21:19.379 --> 00:21:20.119 Give us one hour. 00:21:21.779 --> 00:21:22.960 But Joel says. 00:21:23.039 --> 00:21:23.139 No. 00:21:23.200 --> 00:21:25.240 This is more important than your wedding night. 00:21:25.700 --> 00:21:25.879 Right? 00:21:26.179 --> 00:21:27.599 More important than that. 00:21:27.599 --> 00:21:28.199 And. 00:21:28.279 --> 00:21:28.740 I guess. 00:21:28.879 --> 00:21:30.240 If your hotel was on fire. 00:21:30.519 --> 00:21:32.439 My guess is you would interrupt your wedding night. 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:32.579 Right? 00:21:33.279 --> 00:21:34.480 If your hotel was on fire. 00:21:34.579 --> 00:21:35.199 You would go out. 00:21:35.240 --> 00:21:36.079 And that's the thing here. 00:21:36.459 --> 00:21:36.939 Nothing. 00:21:37.379 --> 00:21:37.939 Matters. 00:21:38.299 --> 00:21:38.659 More. 00:21:40.259 --> 00:21:40.459 Yeah? 00:21:40.500 --> 00:21:41.359 And if you're here. 00:21:41.480 --> 00:21:43.299 And you wouldn't call yourself a Christian. 00:21:44.019 --> 00:21:44.259 Yeah. 00:21:44.379 --> 00:21:45.379 This is important. 00:21:45.480 --> 00:21:47.019 I know this is not a positive message. 00:21:47.119 --> 00:21:47.639 Maybe you were. 00:21:47.879 --> 00:21:49.980 Hoping to hear something more positive today. 00:21:50.379 --> 00:21:51.500 And it happens to be. 00:21:51.719 --> 00:21:52.219 About this. 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:54.420 But I hope you see a fire alarm is good. 00:21:54.779 --> 00:21:57.039 Because it warns you that something is happening. 00:21:57.160 --> 00:21:58.279 That you need to get out. 00:21:58.960 --> 00:22:00.740 Maybe you don't believe there's a fire. 00:22:01.559 --> 00:22:02.920 I think in the beginning of the sermon. 00:22:03.039 --> 00:22:03.160 Right? 00:22:03.200 --> 00:22:04.440 None of you believe there's a fire. 00:22:05.319 --> 00:22:06.000 That's the thing. 00:22:06.079 --> 00:22:07.180 So you need to check. 00:22:07.339 --> 00:22:07.519 You know. 00:22:08.100 --> 00:22:08.299 Are. 00:22:08.420 --> 00:22:09.000 Is there smoke? 00:22:09.779 --> 00:22:10.680 Are there flames? 00:22:11.980 --> 00:22:12.160 Yeah? 00:22:12.259 --> 00:22:14.240 Have you ever looked at Christianity? 00:22:14.539 --> 00:22:16.779 Have you ever thought whether it's true or not? 00:22:16.900 --> 00:22:18.039 I think that that's the big question. 00:22:18.100 --> 00:22:18.259 Right? 00:22:18.259 --> 00:22:20.819 Have you ever read like a biography of Jesus? 00:22:21.759 --> 00:22:22.039 You know. 00:22:22.140 --> 00:22:23.740 Was this guy just a moral teacher? 00:22:24.299 --> 00:22:26.440 Or is he actually something more? 00:22:27.420 --> 00:22:27.779 You know. 00:22:28.200 --> 00:22:29.299 Is he dead. 00:22:29.400 --> 00:22:30.420 And in his grave? 00:22:30.680 --> 00:22:32.660 Well then he's not going to come back and judge the world. 00:22:33.379 --> 00:22:34.799 Well maybe he rose from the dead. 00:22:35.299 --> 00:22:36.759 And then maybe there is something. 00:22:36.859 --> 00:22:37.000 Right? 00:22:37.180 --> 00:22:38.420 Have you ever looked at it? 00:22:38.839 --> 00:22:40.339 Can I encourage you to do that? 00:22:40.859 --> 00:22:41.599 These are free. 00:22:41.680 --> 00:22:42.299 Just take one. 00:22:42.759 --> 00:22:44.599 Come to this course called Explore. 00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:45.920 We're doing in a few weeks. 00:22:46.519 --> 00:22:47.879 Great chance to explore. 00:22:47.880 --> 00:22:48.940 Whether this is really true. 00:22:49.020 --> 00:22:50.800 But can I encourage you to do something? 00:22:51.600 --> 00:22:51.760 Right? 00:22:51.840 --> 00:22:52.320 And don't. 00:22:52.460 --> 00:22:53.540 It's easy to postpone. 00:22:53.640 --> 00:22:53.980 I know. 00:22:54.360 --> 00:22:56.240 Life is busy with your job. 00:22:56.540 --> 00:22:57.380 I will do it later. 00:22:57.640 --> 00:22:57.800 Oh. 00:22:57.880 --> 00:22:58.580 I have kids. 00:22:58.660 --> 00:22:59.340 I'm too busy. 00:22:59.760 --> 00:23:00.020 You know. 00:23:00.100 --> 00:23:01.100 When they've left home. 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:01.560 Then I'll. 00:23:01.920 --> 00:23:02.620 Then I have time. 00:23:02.700 --> 00:23:03.940 Or maybe when I've stopped traveling. 00:23:03.940 --> 00:23:04.840 And I retire. 00:23:06.120 --> 00:23:07.220 Don't put it off. 00:23:07.640 --> 00:23:08.840 Maybe this is urgent. 00:23:08.840 --> 00:23:10.380 And maybe we should do this now. 00:23:11.040 --> 00:23:12.640 Can I encourage you to do that? 00:23:12.820 --> 00:23:13.600 And if it's true. 00:23:13.760 --> 00:23:13.960 Well. 00:23:14.460 --> 00:23:14.660 Yeah. 00:23:14.700 --> 00:23:15.640 Return to the Lord. 00:23:15.760 --> 00:23:16.580 Ask for mercy. 00:23:16.579 --> 00:23:18.119 Take action. 00:23:18.240 --> 00:23:19.259 Nothing else matters. 00:23:20.799 --> 00:23:21.839 But let me speak to. 00:23:22.439 --> 00:23:24.000 Those calling yourselves Christians. 00:23:24.220 --> 00:23:25.519 Which is I guess most of us. 00:23:26.480 --> 00:23:26.699 Yeah. 00:23:26.799 --> 00:23:28.299 I'm sure you've responded. 00:23:28.539 --> 00:23:29.799 And you've prayed a prayer. 00:23:30.859 --> 00:23:32.819 How big is this in your life? 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:34.500 Is this. 00:23:34.919 --> 00:23:36.919 Joel says this is the biggest thing that's happening. 00:23:38.259 --> 00:23:39.500 This is bigger than your job. 00:23:39.899 --> 00:23:40.799 Bigger than your savings. 00:23:40.980 --> 00:23:41.619 Bigger than your. 00:23:41.720 --> 00:23:43.699 Which university your kids get into. 00:23:44.199 --> 00:23:45.679 Bigger than your upcoming wedding. 00:23:45.680 --> 00:23:48.380 Is it so big in your life. 00:23:48.440 --> 00:23:49.600 Or was this something that you. 00:23:49.940 --> 00:23:50.259 You know. 00:23:50.400 --> 00:23:52.500 You prayed about 20 years ago. 00:23:52.580 --> 00:23:53.140 And that was it. 00:23:54.039 --> 00:23:54.299 Right. 00:23:54.880 --> 00:23:55.180 You know. 00:23:55.440 --> 00:23:55.799 Partly. 00:23:55.900 --> 00:23:57.480 Are we holding close to the cross. 00:23:57.940 --> 00:23:59.880 If Jesus is the one who can save us. 00:23:59.940 --> 00:24:01.700 Are we sensitive to our sin. 00:24:01.779 --> 00:24:02.640 Aware of our needs. 00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:03.880 And staying close to him. 00:24:05.539 --> 00:24:06.299 But also. 00:24:06.519 --> 00:24:06.680 Yeah. 00:24:07.039 --> 00:24:07.940 Have we responded. 00:24:08.340 --> 00:24:09.539 It's more than just a prayer. 00:24:09.640 --> 00:24:09.820 Right. 00:24:09.840 --> 00:24:10.160 It says. 00:24:10.519 --> 00:24:11.700 Return to the Lord. 00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:12.720 Which means that. 00:24:12.900 --> 00:24:13.740 God is here. 00:24:13.819 --> 00:24:14.620 And you're over there. 00:24:15.519 --> 00:24:15.720 Right. 00:24:15.860 --> 00:24:17.400 And rent your heart. 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:18.340 And not your garments. 00:24:18.519 --> 00:24:20.980 Not just a superficial response. 00:24:21.180 --> 00:24:21.319 But. 00:24:21.960 --> 00:24:22.360 Change. 00:24:22.519 --> 00:24:22.680 I mean. 00:24:22.720 --> 00:24:24.019 If Jesus is going to come back. 00:24:24.740 --> 00:24:25.840 It's going to change everything. 00:24:27.279 --> 00:24:27.480 Now. 00:24:27.620 --> 00:24:28.140 The thing is. 00:24:28.799 --> 00:24:29.200 For us. 00:24:29.259 --> 00:24:29.960 It's not so urgent. 00:24:29.960 --> 00:24:30.580 As for Joel. 00:24:30.700 --> 00:24:30.860 Right. 00:24:30.880 --> 00:24:31.279 With Joel. 00:24:31.420 --> 00:24:32.559 He saw the locusts coming. 00:24:32.779 --> 00:24:33.819 And it was so urgent. 00:24:33.940 --> 00:24:34.500 And for us. 00:24:34.860 --> 00:24:35.140 Well. 00:24:35.559 --> 00:24:35.860 I mean. 00:24:36.279 --> 00:24:37.559 Jesus could come back tomorrow. 00:24:38.179 --> 00:24:38.740 In which case. 00:24:38.779 --> 00:24:39.899 I guess you wouldn't go to work. 00:24:41.079 --> 00:24:41.399 But. 00:24:41.539 --> 00:24:43.019 Maybe he will come back in a hundred years. 00:24:43.059 --> 00:24:44.279 Which means we do need to go to work. 00:24:44.319 --> 00:24:44.479 Right. 00:24:44.500 --> 00:24:45.279 And we do need to eat. 00:24:45.339 --> 00:24:45.699 And sleep. 00:24:45.799 --> 00:24:46.179 And shop. 00:24:46.319 --> 00:24:47.399 And save money. 00:24:47.579 --> 00:24:48.759 And plan for retirement. 00:24:48.759 --> 00:24:49.579 And all those things. 00:24:49.639 --> 00:24:49.779 Right. 00:24:49.819 --> 00:24:50.139 That's the. 00:24:50.179 --> 00:24:50.679 That's the thing. 00:24:51.199 --> 00:24:53.059 There doesn't seem to be much real urgency. 00:24:53.059 --> 00:24:53.359 But. 00:24:54.279 --> 00:24:55.199 Often that means that. 00:24:55.519 --> 00:24:56.519 Just normal life. 00:24:56.639 --> 00:24:57.799 Fills all my time. 00:24:57.899 --> 00:25:00.079 And I just never think of what will really happen. 00:25:01.879 --> 00:25:02.579 I don't know. 00:25:02.719 --> 00:25:03.759 Think of a fire. 00:25:03.899 --> 00:25:05.259 How would you live in a home? 00:25:05.859 --> 00:25:07.719 If you knew a fire would come. 00:25:08.319 --> 00:25:08.459 Right. 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:09.379 You have to live there. 00:25:09.719 --> 00:25:10.339 But you know that. 00:25:10.619 --> 00:25:11.339 At some point. 00:25:11.699 --> 00:25:12.500 There will be an alarm. 00:25:12.659 --> 00:25:13.479 And you need to leave. 00:25:14.279 --> 00:25:15.359 And your home will be on fire. 00:25:15.459 --> 00:25:16.339 How would that change? 00:25:17.659 --> 00:25:18.159 My guess is. 00:25:18.179 --> 00:25:19.599 You wouldn't spend a lot on furniture. 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:19.899 Right. 00:25:21.179 --> 00:25:22.699 And you wouldn't put all your money. 00:25:22.699 --> 00:25:23.500 In your mattress. 00:25:23.799 --> 00:25:24.099 Because. 00:25:24.619 --> 00:25:25.059 You know. 00:25:25.099 --> 00:25:26.039 You would put it somewhere else. 00:25:26.939 --> 00:25:27.159 Right. 00:25:27.240 --> 00:25:28.519 You make sure that you. 00:25:29.139 --> 00:25:29.719 Remember it. 00:25:29.779 --> 00:25:31.259 You make sure that the alarm works. 00:25:31.619 --> 00:25:32.359 If you have kids. 00:25:32.500 --> 00:25:32.919 You know that. 00:25:33.159 --> 00:25:35.079 You want to make sure that they really know what to do. 00:25:35.079 --> 00:25:36.779 That they are ready for what will happen. 00:25:37.399 --> 00:25:37.619 Right. 00:25:37.759 --> 00:25:39.199 It would really change your life. 00:25:39.299 --> 00:25:40.679 And it's not a perfect analogy. 00:25:40.839 --> 00:25:41.919 But I hope you get the point. 00:25:42.559 --> 00:25:43.399 Are we ready? 00:25:44.159 --> 00:25:44.779 And does it. 00:25:45.240 --> 00:25:45.500 You know. 00:25:45.559 --> 00:25:47.240 The fact that we will stand before the Lord. 00:25:47.939 --> 00:25:48.199 You know. 00:25:48.460 --> 00:25:49.379 The things of this world. 00:25:49.819 --> 00:25:50.439 Don't matter. 00:25:50.599 --> 00:25:52.039 It's the things that we do for him. 00:25:52.079 --> 00:25:52.279 Right. 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:53.660 We will do what he wants. 00:25:53.660 --> 00:25:54.500 We will sit loose. 00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:55.259 We will sit loose to the things that. 00:25:55.619 --> 00:25:56.500 We will end up. 00:25:57.579 --> 00:25:58.460 Gone anyway. 00:25:59.339 --> 00:26:00.319 And things like love. 00:26:00.399 --> 00:26:01.079 And good works. 00:26:01.180 --> 00:26:01.700 And prayer. 00:26:01.980 --> 00:26:03.359 And building the church. 00:26:04.720 --> 00:26:05.759 That's a good example. 00:26:05.920 --> 00:26:06.319 I don't know. 00:26:06.639 --> 00:26:07.680 If you know this guy. 00:26:08.779 --> 00:26:10.359 The Earl of Shaftesbury. 00:26:10.879 --> 00:26:12.879 Who lived in the 19th century. 00:26:13.680 --> 00:26:14.500 Anthony Ashley Cooper. 00:26:14.559 --> 00:26:15.519 You probably don't know him. 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:17.339 This guy lived in England. 00:26:17.339 --> 00:26:18.720 And he was a politician. 00:26:18.720 --> 00:26:20.299 And he did amazing things. 00:26:20.879 --> 00:26:21.419 He put. 00:26:21.599 --> 00:26:21.759 He. 00:26:22.139 --> 00:26:22.439 You know. 00:26:22.699 --> 00:26:23.539 Campaigned for. 00:26:23.699 --> 00:26:25.159 And got past so many laws. 00:26:25.159 --> 00:26:26.699 About child labor. 00:26:27.379 --> 00:26:29.079 Care for the mentally handicapped. 00:26:29.639 --> 00:26:31.240 Trying to stop the drug trade. 00:26:31.639 --> 00:26:32.859 Schools for the poor. 00:26:33.619 --> 00:26:34.439 In his biography. 00:26:34.439 --> 00:26:35.740 It said. 00:26:35.899 --> 00:26:36.000 You know. 00:26:36.119 --> 00:26:36.819 There was no one. 00:26:37.019 --> 00:26:38.159 Who had done more. 00:26:38.319 --> 00:26:39.619 To alleviate human suffering. 00:26:39.819 --> 00:26:40.079 Than him. 00:26:41.220 --> 00:26:42.240 And people asked him. 00:26:42.439 --> 00:26:42.720 Why. 00:26:43.339 --> 00:26:44.179 Later in life. 00:26:44.379 --> 00:26:45.339 And this is what he said. 00:26:45.980 --> 00:26:47.319 I do not think. 00:26:47.339 --> 00:26:48.899 In the last 40 years. 00:26:49.519 --> 00:26:50.199 I have lived. 00:26:50.379 --> 00:26:51.720 One conscious hour. 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:53.359 That was not influenced. 00:26:53.359 --> 00:26:54.019 By the thought. 00:26:54.039 --> 00:26:54.959 Of our Lord's return. 00:26:56.000 --> 00:26:56.220 Right. 00:26:56.279 --> 00:26:56.839 He knew. 00:26:57.139 --> 00:26:58.240 Jesus coming back. 00:26:59.119 --> 00:26:59.379 And. 00:26:59.720 --> 00:27:00.759 That shows. 00:27:00.879 --> 00:27:01.740 That some things matter. 00:27:01.859 --> 00:27:02.619 And some things don't. 00:27:02.619 --> 00:27:02.919 And so. 00:27:03.139 --> 00:27:04.399 He lived differently. 00:27:05.359 --> 00:27:06.599 Jesus will come back. 00:27:07.399 --> 00:27:08.959 It's the most important thing. 00:27:09.059 --> 00:27:10.299 Nothing matters more. 00:27:12.119 --> 00:27:13.480 But not just for ourselves. 00:27:13.599 --> 00:27:13.759 Right. 00:27:14.039 --> 00:27:14.519 Because. 00:27:14.799 --> 00:27:16.019 The other obvious application. 00:27:16.279 --> 00:27:16.799 Is we should. 00:27:17.480 --> 00:27:18.259 Warn others. 00:27:19.259 --> 00:27:20.500 Nothing matters more. 00:27:21.079 --> 00:27:21.279 I mean. 00:27:21.299 --> 00:27:21.980 That's the great thing. 00:27:21.980 --> 00:27:22.740 About a warning. 00:27:22.839 --> 00:27:22.980 Right. 00:27:23.019 --> 00:27:23.899 A warning means. 00:27:24.319 --> 00:27:25.399 That people can escape. 00:27:25.460 --> 00:27:27.000 But people need to hear the warning. 00:27:28.440 --> 00:27:28.919 You know. 00:27:28.960 --> 00:27:30.159 Let me go back to that fire. 00:27:30.159 --> 00:27:31.259 In my student days. 00:27:32.700 --> 00:27:33.319 Did you know. 00:27:33.319 --> 00:27:34.899 That I didn't hear the fire alarm. 00:27:35.319 --> 00:27:36.000 I didn't. 00:27:37.159 --> 00:27:37.339 I mean. 00:27:37.399 --> 00:27:38.419 There were some reasons for that. 00:27:38.579 --> 00:27:38.879 One. 00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:39.220 This was. 00:27:39.379 --> 00:27:40.359 My student days. 00:27:40.359 --> 00:27:41.559 Before I was a Christian. 00:27:41.559 --> 00:27:43.019 I went to bed. 00:27:43.099 --> 00:27:43.879 Completely drunk. 00:27:44.019 --> 00:27:44.639 At 3 a.m. 00:27:44.639 --> 00:27:46.079 So I was very unresponsive. 00:27:46.159 --> 00:27:46.759 At 5 a.m. 00:27:47.759 --> 00:27:48.440 Second thing. 00:27:48.519 --> 00:27:48.720 Is that. 00:27:48.819 --> 00:27:49.059 Actually. 00:27:49.159 --> 00:27:49.799 We had disabled. 00:27:49.799 --> 00:27:50.539 The fire alarm. 00:27:50.679 --> 00:27:51.139 On our floor. 00:27:51.720 --> 00:27:52.859 It sometimes beeped. 00:27:53.099 --> 00:27:54.139 And it was very annoying. 00:27:54.259 --> 00:27:55.399 But instead of getting it fixed. 00:27:55.460 --> 00:27:56.339 We just disabled it. 00:27:56.379 --> 00:27:56.519 Right. 00:27:56.519 --> 00:27:58.160 We were very intelligent students. 00:27:59.559 --> 00:28:00.319 But basically. 00:28:00.319 --> 00:28:01.539 I did not hear the fire alarm. 00:28:01.799 --> 00:28:03.319 There was hardly any fire alarm. 00:28:05.480 --> 00:28:06.599 How did I get out? 00:28:07.639 --> 00:28:07.779 Well. 00:28:07.799 --> 00:28:09.059 Because there were people going around. 00:28:09.160 --> 00:28:10.180 And knocking on every door. 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:11.920 To make sure there was no one there. 00:28:12.839 --> 00:28:13.200 Right. 00:28:13.660 --> 00:28:14.759 They cared about others. 00:28:14.799 --> 00:28:16.039 They didn't just run out themselves. 00:28:16.160 --> 00:28:16.980 But they cared about. 00:28:17.160 --> 00:28:17.839 Other people. 00:28:17.940 --> 00:28:19.559 And so they went knocking on every door. 00:28:20.000 --> 00:28:21.099 And that woke me up. 00:28:21.400 --> 00:28:21.639 Right. 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:23.400 They didn't just think. 00:28:23.519 --> 00:28:23.839 Oh well. 00:28:23.920 --> 00:28:25.119 Maybe he likes sleeping. 00:28:25.680 --> 00:28:25.879 Hey. 00:28:25.880 --> 00:28:26.940 Let's not offend him. 00:28:27.780 --> 00:28:28.020 You know. 00:28:28.040 --> 00:28:28.340 Maybe. 00:28:28.600 --> 00:28:30.260 Maybe he doesn't believe in fires. 00:28:30.440 --> 00:28:32.320 Who am I to impose my beliefs on him. 00:28:32.840 --> 00:28:33.100 Right. 00:28:34.140 --> 00:28:34.440 No. 00:28:34.780 --> 00:28:35.100 They. 00:28:35.600 --> 00:28:36.540 Knocked on every door. 00:28:37.400 --> 00:28:37.860 And I mean. 00:28:37.960 --> 00:28:38.860 It wasn't a big fire. 00:28:38.940 --> 00:28:39.560 It was a sofa. 00:28:39.780 --> 00:28:40.500 One apartment. 00:28:40.760 --> 00:28:41.860 On another part of the building. 00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:42.360 But still. 00:28:42.460 --> 00:28:43.620 If this was a serious fire. 00:28:44.300 --> 00:28:45.220 Maybe I wasn't here. 00:28:45.520 --> 00:28:46.580 If it wasn't for those people. 00:28:47.640 --> 00:28:48.580 And we need to. 00:28:48.940 --> 00:28:49.700 Warn others. 00:28:50.200 --> 00:28:50.420 Right. 00:28:51.180 --> 00:28:52.800 How much more do people need to hear. 00:28:52.800 --> 00:28:53.900 About the day of the Lord. 00:28:54.460 --> 00:28:54.660 I mean. 00:28:54.700 --> 00:28:55.860 That's what Joel is doing. 00:28:56.000 --> 00:28:56.140 Right. 00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:56.720 That's why he. 00:28:56.840 --> 00:28:58.100 He's being a prophet. 00:28:58.220 --> 00:28:59.240 And he goes to the pub. 00:28:59.300 --> 00:29:00.340 And he goes to the farm. 00:29:00.440 --> 00:29:02.000 And he goes to the temple. 00:29:02.320 --> 00:29:03.980 And he goes to the honeymoon suite. 00:29:04.280 --> 00:29:05.780 He knocks on every door. 00:29:06.460 --> 00:29:06.620 Get. 00:29:06.780 --> 00:29:07.460 Get ready. 00:29:07.620 --> 00:29:08.060 Repent. 00:29:08.760 --> 00:29:09.760 And it's not just Joel. 00:29:10.440 --> 00:29:10.680 Right. 00:29:10.680 --> 00:29:11.080 Because. 00:29:11.080 --> 00:29:11.080 00:29:11.080 --> 00:29:13.340 How about that great day of the Lord. 00:29:14.019 --> 00:29:14.400 Again. 00:29:14.640 --> 00:29:15.340 God says. 00:29:15.440 --> 00:29:16.600 There will be prophets. 00:29:16.720 --> 00:29:16.900 Actually. 00:29:16.980 --> 00:29:18.200 There will be lots of prophets. 00:29:18.320 --> 00:29:18.500 Right. 00:29:18.960 --> 00:29:19.840 Verse 28. 00:29:20.420 --> 00:29:22.160 And it shall come to pass afterwards. 00:29:22.160 --> 00:29:24.080 That I will pour out my spirit. 00:29:24.160 --> 00:29:25.120 On all flesh. 00:29:25.779 --> 00:29:26.420 Your sons. 00:29:26.519 --> 00:29:27.320 And your daughters. 00:29:27.820 --> 00:29:28.539 Shall prophesy. 00:29:29.980 --> 00:29:31.019 Everyone with the spirit. 00:29:31.019 --> 00:29:31.799 Will be a prophet. 00:29:31.920 --> 00:29:32.779 And what will they do? 00:29:33.019 --> 00:29:33.220 Well. 00:29:33.220 --> 00:29:34.200 They will do what. 00:29:34.500 --> 00:29:35.120 Joel did. 00:29:35.220 --> 00:29:35.980 And warn people. 00:29:36.220 --> 00:29:37.140 And the result is that. 00:29:37.220 --> 00:29:38.839 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. 00:29:38.880 --> 00:29:39.500 Will be saved. 00:29:40.720 --> 00:29:41.400 And again. 00:29:41.519 --> 00:29:42.539 Isn't this encouraging? 00:29:42.680 --> 00:29:44.400 Does God want to be people to be saved? 00:29:44.680 --> 00:29:45.200 He does. 00:29:45.279 --> 00:29:45.420 Right. 00:29:45.420 --> 00:29:46.820 That's why he pours out the spirit. 00:29:47.060 --> 00:29:48.700 And sends all these people out. 00:29:48.940 --> 00:29:50.019 To warn others. 00:29:50.100 --> 00:29:50.980 That's what he wants. 00:29:51.880 --> 00:29:52.320 And yeah. 00:29:52.440 --> 00:29:52.960 Who is that? 00:29:53.019 --> 00:29:53.420 Of course. 00:29:53.620 --> 00:29:54.519 Who has the spirit? 00:29:55.279 --> 00:29:56.920 That's those who trust in Jesus. 00:29:57.500 --> 00:29:58.500 They receive the spirit. 00:29:58.660 --> 00:29:58.800 And. 00:29:59.220 --> 00:30:00.360 Spirit does lots of things. 00:30:00.460 --> 00:30:00.580 But. 00:30:00.960 --> 00:30:01.279 Partly. 00:30:01.380 --> 00:30:02.660 He helps us proclaim. 00:30:03.120 --> 00:30:03.740 The gospel. 00:30:03.980 --> 00:30:04.160 Right. 00:30:04.220 --> 00:30:05.000 So we can go. 00:30:05.240 --> 00:30:06.140 And win souls. 00:30:06.140 --> 00:30:06.700 And we can. 00:30:07.100 --> 00:30:07.279 You know. 00:30:07.360 --> 00:30:08.779 Anyone you tell about a fire. 00:30:10.060 --> 00:30:11.019 That's not easy. 00:30:12.240 --> 00:30:12.700 And I know. 00:30:13.380 --> 00:30:14.500 What I find very hard. 00:30:14.580 --> 00:30:15.360 Is kind of balancing. 00:30:15.500 --> 00:30:15.960 The urgent. 00:30:16.060 --> 00:30:16.740 And the important. 00:30:16.900 --> 00:30:17.019 Right. 00:30:17.360 --> 00:30:17.620 I mean. 00:30:17.680 --> 00:30:17.900 Joel. 00:30:17.980 --> 00:30:19.539 He went to knock on the honeymoon suite. 00:30:20.500 --> 00:30:21.200 My guess is. 00:30:21.300 --> 00:30:22.160 We wouldn't do that. 00:30:22.220 --> 00:30:22.380 Right. 00:30:23.039 --> 00:30:23.500 I mean. 00:30:23.519 --> 00:30:24.880 If Jesus would come back tomorrow. 00:30:25.060 --> 00:30:25.340 Yes. 00:30:25.500 --> 00:30:27.000 But maybe it'll be a hundred years. 00:30:27.060 --> 00:30:27.560 And so maybe. 00:30:27.560 --> 00:30:28.660 I wouldn't make any friends. 00:30:29.279 --> 00:30:29.779 Doing this. 00:30:31.460 --> 00:30:32.080 I know. 00:30:32.640 --> 00:30:33.220 So we. 00:30:33.220 --> 00:30:33.779 We don't know. 00:30:33.779 --> 00:30:34.039 And so. 00:30:34.140 --> 00:30:35.460 It's good to take your time. 00:30:36.120 --> 00:30:37.140 Build friendships. 00:30:38.060 --> 00:30:38.340 You know. 00:30:39.740 --> 00:30:41.019 Explain things bit by bit. 00:30:41.740 --> 00:30:42.860 But it's so easy to think. 00:30:42.960 --> 00:30:43.080 Well. 00:30:43.140 --> 00:30:44.240 It might be a long time. 00:30:44.640 --> 00:30:45.720 I'll wait until tomorrow. 00:30:46.039 --> 00:30:46.880 I'm too busy today. 00:30:47.620 --> 00:30:48.259 And then tomorrow. 00:30:48.400 --> 00:30:48.680 You think. 00:30:48.759 --> 00:30:48.859 Well. 00:30:48.900 --> 00:30:49.680 I'll wait another day. 00:30:50.120 --> 00:30:50.819 And another day. 00:30:50.960 --> 00:30:51.559 And another day. 00:30:51.700 --> 00:30:51.980 And another day. 00:30:51.980 --> 00:30:52.779 And basically. 00:30:52.779 --> 00:30:53.759 You never end up. 00:30:53.759 --> 00:30:54.500 Sharing the gospel. 00:30:54.500 --> 00:30:54.779 Right. 00:30:54.779 --> 00:30:57.000 I think that is the problem. 00:30:57.299 --> 00:30:58.220 And let's not forget. 00:30:58.539 --> 00:31:00.000 The fire alarm is ringing. 00:31:00.160 --> 00:31:01.680 There will be a worldwide fire. 00:31:03.139 --> 00:31:04.220 Some really good advice. 00:31:04.299 --> 00:31:04.879 I once heard. 00:31:04.980 --> 00:31:05.500 Is basically. 00:31:06.160 --> 00:31:06.480 You know. 00:31:06.759 --> 00:31:07.680 With all your relationships. 00:31:07.960 --> 00:31:08.220 Think. 00:31:08.440 --> 00:31:09.480 I've got two years. 00:31:09.480 --> 00:31:10.200 With this person. 00:31:10.740 --> 00:31:11.819 I don't have 30 years. 00:31:11.899 --> 00:31:12.720 I have two years. 00:31:12.799 --> 00:31:13.379 How would you live. 00:31:13.480 --> 00:31:14.359 If you have two years. 00:31:15.039 --> 00:31:15.579 My guess is. 00:31:15.660 --> 00:31:17.039 It would become a bit more urgent. 00:31:17.160 --> 00:31:17.339 Right. 00:31:17.960 --> 00:31:18.700 To share the gospel. 00:31:18.819 --> 00:31:19.879 If it's just two years. 00:31:20.880 --> 00:31:21.280 Okay. 00:31:21.400 --> 00:31:21.660 It's not. 00:31:21.780 --> 00:31:22.220 Tomorrow. 00:31:22.740 --> 00:31:23.460 I don't have to. 00:31:23.660 --> 00:31:24.460 Interrupt your sleep. 00:31:24.620 --> 00:31:24.760 But. 00:31:25.360 --> 00:31:25.560 You know. 00:31:26.420 --> 00:31:26.920 Two years. 00:31:27.020 --> 00:31:27.120 But. 00:31:27.240 --> 00:31:28.120 Maybe try that. 00:31:28.500 --> 00:31:29.160 As you pray. 00:31:29.720 --> 00:31:30.560 As you're in your office. 00:31:30.700 --> 00:31:30.920 Maybe. 00:31:31.420 --> 00:31:32.140 Try to do that. 00:31:32.240 --> 00:31:32.360 But. 00:31:33.040 --> 00:31:33.200 Yeah. 00:31:33.200 --> 00:31:34.660 Let's prioritize this. 00:31:34.780 --> 00:31:35.080 Let's. 00:31:35.180 --> 00:31:35.440 Let's. 00:31:35.740 --> 00:31:36.580 That's why as a church. 00:31:36.680 --> 00:31:37.220 We want to. 00:31:37.820 --> 00:31:38.700 Emphasize this. 00:31:38.860 --> 00:31:39.000 And. 00:31:39.320 --> 00:31:40.140 That's why we need each other. 00:31:40.220 --> 00:31:40.860 To help each other. 00:31:41.000 --> 00:31:41.560 Keep going. 00:31:41.680 --> 00:31:41.920 That we. 00:31:42.080 --> 00:31:43.180 We make this a priority. 00:31:43.420 --> 00:31:43.780 It is. 00:31:44.420 --> 00:31:44.960 But it is. 00:31:45.020 --> 00:31:45.160 Right. 00:31:45.220 --> 00:31:45.520 Because. 00:31:46.160 --> 00:31:47.340 Nothing matters more. 00:31:48.120 --> 00:31:49.120 Jesus will come back. 00:31:49.880 --> 00:31:51.720 And no one will stand before him. 00:31:51.860 --> 00:31:52.100 And think. 00:31:52.420 --> 00:31:53.720 I wish I watched more Netflix. 00:31:54.460 --> 00:31:55.480 No one will say. 00:31:55.620 --> 00:31:56.800 Wish I got higher grades. 00:31:57.040 --> 00:31:58.020 Wish I saved more money. 00:31:59.220 --> 00:32:00.080 No people will say. 00:32:00.160 --> 00:32:01.220 I wish I stopped that sin. 00:32:01.960 --> 00:32:03.280 I wish I prayed more. 00:32:03.700 --> 00:32:04.620 I wish I shared the gospel. 00:32:04.620 --> 00:32:05.380 With more people. 00:32:06.500 --> 00:32:07.760 And a day of the Lord is coming. 00:32:07.860 --> 00:32:08.360 Let's pray. 00:32:08.760 --> 00:32:09.580 We would be ready. 00:32:10.500 --> 00:32:12.280 Let's pray that God would use us. 00:32:12.380 --> 00:32:13.800 To win many souls. 00:32:15.440 --> 00:32:16.560 Why don't I pray. 00:32:16.559 --> 00:32:17.720 And as I pray. 00:32:17.839 --> 00:32:18.980 Maybe the communion stewards. 00:32:19.440 --> 00:32:20.599 The music team can come up. 00:32:20.700 --> 00:32:21.859 Let's respond in prayer. 00:32:32.099 --> 00:32:32.700 Our father. 00:32:32.819 --> 00:32:34.059 Thank you for speaking to us. 00:32:35.539 --> 00:32:36.960 That is not an easy message. 00:32:37.059 --> 00:32:38.059 But warnings are good. 00:32:38.259 --> 00:32:39.599 Warnings are done out of love. 00:32:40.299 --> 00:32:41.079 And in love. 00:32:41.159 --> 00:32:42.039 You warn us that. 00:32:42.039 --> 00:32:43.879 Yeah. 00:32:44.440 --> 00:32:45.940 Our way of living is not good. 00:32:46.079 --> 00:32:47.359 And judgment will come. 00:32:47.440 --> 00:32:48.079 And that is right. 00:32:48.200 --> 00:32:48.359 But. 00:32:48.940 --> 00:32:49.079 Yeah. 00:32:49.079 --> 00:32:50.139 We know we're on the wrong side. 00:32:50.240 --> 00:32:50.920 Help us to. 00:32:51.859 --> 00:32:52.220 Respond. 00:32:53.139 --> 00:32:54.379 For those of us who are not ready yet. 00:32:54.440 --> 00:32:54.819 Help us. 00:32:56.000 --> 00:32:56.599 Come back. 00:32:56.680 --> 00:32:57.559 To return to you. 00:32:57.819 --> 00:32:58.480 Put our trust. 00:32:59.119 --> 00:32:59.659 In Jesus. 00:33:00.720 --> 00:33:01.579 For those of us who. 00:33:01.740 --> 00:33:02.519 Who have done that. 00:33:02.579 --> 00:33:04.039 Would this be the biggest thing in our lives. 00:33:04.099 --> 00:33:05.240 Would it change how we live. 00:33:06.139 --> 00:33:07.339 And would it stir us up to. 00:33:07.759 --> 00:33:08.680 Spread this message. 00:33:08.799 --> 00:33:10.240 That more people may be saved. 00:33:10.240 --> 00:33:12.720 Think that everyone who can call on your mercy. 00:33:12.720 --> 00:33:13.579 Will be saved. 00:33:14.000 --> 00:33:15.220 There's nothing else we need to do. 00:33:15.279 --> 00:33:16.120 Just calling on. 00:33:16.440 --> 00:33:16.839 Jesus. 00:33:17.099 --> 00:33:17.960 Calling on mercy. 00:33:18.960 --> 00:33:20.319 But people do need to hear. 00:33:21.420 --> 00:33:22.500 So help us with that Lord. 00:33:22.640 --> 00:33:24.259 Would you use today. 00:33:24.400 --> 00:33:24.920 In our hearts. 00:33:25.000 --> 00:33:25.660 And in our lives. 00:33:26.079 --> 00:33:27.019 In Jesus name. 00:33:27.660 --> 00:33:28.019 Amen. 00:33:28.019 --> 00:33:28.079 Amen.