Here are some good posts for those serving in a smaller church:
The Secret Small Churches Know Best -Stephen Witmer (DG)
Ministry in Small Towns: Worth a Lifetime Investment – Stephen Witmer (TGC)
The Dilemma of a Bi-vocational Pastor – Darryl Williamson (TGC)
Q/A#4
Q: What are some further attributes of God?
A: God is eternal, self-existent, self-sufficient, and unchanging, full of glory and beauty.
Memory Verses
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
– Psalm 90:2
Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
– Psalm 96:6
Further Supporting Verses
For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.
– John 5:26
The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.
– Acts 17:24-25
For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.
– Malachi 3:6
I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.
– Isaiah 42:8
Reflection/Discussion Questions
How is God different than us? What would be some proper responses to these attributes and verses?
How has our self-sufficient God provided for your needs recently?
Think about God’s many attributes. Why is it a good thing that God doesn’t change?
Project
Look for reflections of God’s glory & beauty around you.
Don’t ask, “How far can I go toward sin?” Ask instead, “How far can I run from sin?”– Tim Chester in You Can Change
Joel speaks five times of the Day of the Lord in his book – a day of judgment followed by blessing. The Day of the Lord is both past (locust invasion), coming soon (through a coming army), and future (at the end of time when Christ returns – II Peter 3:10).
(1) What kind of army has come upon Judah (v4), and what are the results?
How does Joel call them to respond in v3? How does Joel call them to respond in v5, 8, 11, & 13-14?
Why are these good responses to tragedy?
What keeps us from responding in this way? How else might we respond instead?
(2) How does Joel describe the Day of the Lord in v1-11?
How does he describe the army coming against them? What do you think is the identity of this army? Why?
God calls the people to return to Him in v12-17. Describe the return that God calls them to make.
What motivation is given for their return in v13? How would this encourage you to return when you have sinned?
(2) How will God restore Judah in v18-27? What will he pour down in v23?
What will he pour out in v28-29? When do we see this happen (see Acts 2)? What practical affects does this have in our lives?
How would you describe the Day of the Lord in v30-32?
What hope is given in v32? How does Paul apply this hope in Romans 10:12-13?
(3) How would you describe the Day of the Lord in v1-16a?
What hope is given in v16b-21?
When do you think chapter 3 will happen, and why?
How would you summarize what Joel is teaching about the Day of the Lord in this book?
Digital technology is one of the greatest impediments to a life spent in communion with God…. God has inseparably and irrevocably joined quietness with knowledge of him.– David Murray in Reset
The woman the dragon pursues, She flees to the wilderness
Fed by Christ, His church, His Word true, God protects and nourishes
O weary souls, Come now and eat
Dear Christian in Christ stand firm
To the tune of “Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending”
Banded Chert
As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—
the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice
for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying,
“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him,
“Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered,
“I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
– Luke 19:37-40
And the stones do cry out – proclaiming the glory and beauty of our Creator!
God will judge Israel for their sin.
Here are some helpful posts on your smartphone:
Why Do You Have a Phone? – Marshall Segal (DG)
Denzel: Your Phone Is Changing You – Tony Reinke (DG)
Your smartphone is making you stupid, antisocial and unhealthy. So why can’t you put it down? – Eric Andrew-Gee (G&M)
Brian J. Mikul 