Visionary View: Signs And Wonders Series

Visionary View: Signs and Wonders

Today, we embark on a journey of understanding and inspiration as we explore the prophetic words of the book of Joel.

Opening Prayer:

Let us commence with a prayer. Heavenly Father, we gather in Your presence, seeking wisdom and insight as we delve into Your Word. Open our hearts and minds to receive the message You have for us today. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Introduction:

In the book of Joel, we find a remarkable prophecy about the outpouring of God's Spirit and the signs and wonders that will accompany it. These verses are not only a glimpse into the future but also a call to action for each of us.

Scripture Reading:

Please open your Bibles to Joel 2:28-32 in the New Living Translation: "Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days, I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike. And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth—blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and terrible day of the Lord arrives. But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, for some on Mount Zion in Jerusalem will escape, just as the Lord has said. These will be among the survivors whom the Lord has called."

Illustration:

Imagine standing on a hill, watching as the first rays of dawn break through the darkness. The promise of a new day fills your heart with hope. In the same way, Joel's prophecy offers us a glimpse of a new spiritual dawn, a time when God's Spirit will be poured out on all people.

Scripture Reading:

Now, let's turn to Acts 2:16-17, where the Apostle Peter quoted these very words from Joel on the day of Pentecost: "No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: 'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.'"

Illustration:

Consider the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples like tongues of fire. They began to speak in languages they had never learned, and thousands were drawn to hear the message of Christ. This was a fulfilment of Joel's prophecy and a powerful demonstration of God's Spirit at work.

Closing Point:

As we reflect on these verses from Joel, let us consider how they apply to our lives:

Are we open to receiving the outpouring of God's Spirit in our lives, enabling us to dream dreams and see visions?

Are we seeking the signs and wonders that God is working in our world?

Do we understand the urgency of calling on the name of the Lord for salvation in these last days?

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promise of Your Spirit, poured out on all people. Help us to be open to Your guidance, to seek the signs and wonders You are working, and to call on Your name for salvation. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn:

Let us conclude our service with a hymn that celebrates the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

May the vision of God's Spirit fill your heart and the signs and wonders of His presence guide you on a path of faith and devotion. Amen.