1V12 When should we repent?

a. Even now- A specific time.

2V12 Who is making this declaration?

a. The Lord through Joel

b. Return (Repent- turn to the Lord.)

i. All your heart – no divided hearts, Israel and the modern church

ii. Fasting – separating yourself from worldly pleasures to seek God

iii. Weeping – physical action over your sins and your people's sins

iv. Mourning- internal and mental process, hating your sin and others' sins

3V13 What should be torn? He desires a torn heart, not torn clothes.

a. He does not want us to play church, but he wants to be the church

4V13 Why should we return to the Lord?- For He is gracious

a. He is gracious- something no one deserves. What prevents you from receiving and extending grace

b. He is compassionate toward others

c. Slow to anger – the time in which he responds

d. Abounding in love- extra amount according to the circumstances

e. He can relent. One factor that can potentially cause God to relent is God's people listening to the commands of God and turning back to Him in true repentance.

Application:

· Where do you need to repent of your lack of hate for sin in your and your nation? Where do you need to repent because of complicity in this glorious gospel that will set people free?

· How have you been playing church? What do I mean? Doing outward rituals or traditions, but not having your heart changed by the word?

· What is preventing you from receiving God's grace(hurts, hangups, or hard heart, I am not worthy, etc) in your life and sharing it with others? (fear of man or lack of training in witnessing)?