Joel 2: Salvation in The Remnant

Abraham: Dear loving and holy Father in Heaven,

We bow ourselves before you with thankful hearts, thankful for your love and grace, and thankful that you have called your people to meet at this time.

We ask for your blessing and also that by your Holy Spirit you would guide us in this study. Grant special wisdom to your servant as he brings your truth to us by inspiration from you. This is my prayer in Yahshua’s name. Amen.

Happy Rock: Amen.
Zahakiel: Amen.
Tain: Amen.
Naraiel: Amen.
Crystle: Amen.
Guerline: Amen.
Peterson: Amen.

Zahakiel: For today’s study, I would like us to go through Joel Chapter 2. As I am sure you will agree when you see what Yahweh has written there, it is a very applicable Biblical passage for our current time, containing our mission, warnings for us and the world, and promises of great things to come. So let’s read a couple verses at a time, and have some discussion. This is, perhaps, a little simpler format than our regular New Moon studies, but to be honest, I think this chapter just about speaks for itself, and doesn’t require any complex thought chains to make some very powerful and timely points. It’s also one of those studies that I can’t believe we haven’t done before…

So let’s begin with the first verse: “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of Yahweh cometh, for it is nigh at hand.” (Joel 2:1)

Can you think of other verses that use similar symbolism?

Guerline: Isaiah?

Zahakiel: Where in Isaiah? There are actually 2 places. Isaiah is one of them. But there’s one that’s also very similar in intent.

Naraiel: Isaiah 13:6

Guerline: 58:1

Zahakiel: Yes, both of those are similar. How about something from Revelation?

Qinael: It seems similar to the first angel’s message. “Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”

Zahakiel: Right, it sounds just like the start of the 3 Angels’ Message in Revelation 14. It is the beginning of the last declaration of the Everlasting Gospel to the world. Joel 2, just like Ezekiel 9, and the verse mentioned there in Isaiah 13, is one of the sources from which John drew imagery to record the Revelation the Holy Spirit granted him. And yet, in this verse we see not only an announcement of judgment to come, but also an instruction for all who wish to be obedient to the voice of Yah. This idea of “blowing the trumpet,” which can be found in the verse Guerline mentioned, another well-known verse used by SDAs:

“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” (Isa 58:1) Isaiah 58 is another very applicable passage. It is an instruction to the people of Yah to speak to those who claim to be faithful, and keepers of the Sabbath, and followers of the Almighty, but while doing these things outwardly, they do not deal well with the poor, the afflicted, and the needy. As it says in verse 4, they, “fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness.” That concept should be quite familiar to us all at this point.

Verse 2 goes on to describe the Day in a little more detail: “A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.” (Joel 2:2) Now at first, it is not clear whether this “great people” refers to the saints, or something else. So let’s read a bit more and see if we can unravel who this is talking about.

Verse 3 and onward (and let me know when you are finished): “A fire devoureth before them, and behind them a flame burneth; the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run. Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array. Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.” (Joel 2:3-6)

Guerline: Done.
Qinael: Finished.
Abraham: Done.
Tain: Done.
Naraiel: Done.
Crystle: Finished.
Barbara: Finished.
Happy Rock: Finished.

Zahakiel: So we now know a few things about this people. First, they are destructive, burning up the earth before them so that none escape. Now you might say, “If we view this spiritually, this is the doctrine of judgment, binding the tares and liberating the wheat.” But that does not seem to match what the passage is describing. So it is still not certain yet. Let us see if we can make the interpretation more secure.

“They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks. Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.” (Joel 2:7-9)

Upon reading this, we’re finding some interesting symbolism developing. This idea of walking on dangerous things and not being hurt... that sounds like the promise of Christ in the Gospels: “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19) And you might say, “The coming of Yahshua will be like a thief in the night for those who are not prepared.” But here is where we begin to see one of the key differences between the people mentioned here, and the saints. The “thief in the night” symbolism applies only to Christ, not to His people. The ministry of the saints is to be public, open, and designed to be heard by all. While it’s true that in the time of trouble we may be forced to flee, we will not be “entering in” to anything, but trying to get out from trying situations; and at that point, we will not be destroying anything in the world, merely seeking sanctuary to await Yahshua.

Does everyone see that?

Qinael: <nods.>
Abraham: Yes.
Naraiel: Yes.
Barbara: Yes.
Guerline: Yes.
Peterson: Yes.
Tain: Yes.
Happy Rock: Yes.

Zahakiel: Now, there IS a destroying force that is loosed upon the earth during the time of trouble. And it is composed of the angels of Judgment. I mentioned this chapter a little while ago, but let me quote from it here so you can see the parallel clearly: “And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. And Yahweh said unto him, ‘Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.’ And to the others He said in mine hearing, ‘Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity. Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women. But come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary.’ Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. And He said unto them, ‘Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth.’ And they went forth, and slew in the city.” (Ezek 9:2, 4-7)

Say when you are finished with this.

Qinael: Finished.
Abraham: Finished.
Naraiel: Done.
Crystle: Finished.
Barbara: Finished.
Guerline: Finished.
Tain: Finished.
Happy Rock: Finished.

Zahakiel: This is exactly what we see taking place in Revelation 7. There is one agent of Heaven with the ability to “seal” the faithful of Yahweh, and then other forces are sent to destroy everything else. The destroying force wipes out all that appears before it, but it is specifically kept from harming those with the Seal of Yah. So now we have a connection between Revelation 7, Ezekiel 9, and here in Joel 2.

Tain: I don’t see that Joel is showing a verse stating that the sealed ones of Yah are protected...

Zahakiel: Oh, that part is from Rev 7. We are getting to the relevant part in Joel 2 in a moment :)

Qinael: The literal reading of Joel is talking about heathen armies coming in to destroy / punish Jerusalem if I understand it right... is that a consistent symbol for angels of judgment, or somewhat individual to this prophecy?

Zahakiel: Ah, that’s a good question. We would apply it the same way we do Ezekiel 38, where what was literal for literal Jerusalem would be spiritual for spiritual Jerusalem Like in Revelation 20. The connection mentioned above is the same in all three passages. In the last days Yah sends a destroying force to do damage to the earth. In Ezekiel 37 and 38 it speaks about the heathen armies gathered against Jerusalem, Gog and Magog, and then fire comes down from Heaven to destroy them.

Qinael: Okay, so the spiritual fulfillment of the heathen being sent to punish Jerusalem would generally be the destroying angels?

Zahakiel: Well, in this case, anyway. Ezekiel 9 tells us specifically that they are creatures from Heaven. The purpose of drawing the parallel between Joel 2 and Rev 7 and Ezekiel 9 is to show that this “force” is the same one. And Ezekiel identifies their characteristics.

Qinael: Hm, okay. So we have to continue with the parallel of the whole chapters to fill in the links.

Zahakiel: Right, and that’s the part I’m getting to.

Qinael: Okay, got it. Thanks.

Zahakiel: But for now... we see that in the last days a destroying force is sent over the world. In Ezekiel 9 and Rev 7, we see that the redeemed are protected from the destruction. As we continue reading in Joel, we will see the same applies here also, tightening the connection.

In verse 10, there appears to be a reminder that this is an issue with the last days. I’ve read a number of commentaries on Joel 2, including the SDA one, and they never seem quite certain of when this prophecy is to be fulfilled. It seems clear to me that this idea of the sun and moon being dark, and the stars no longer shining in the heavens… that is a direct link to Revelation’s Sixth Seal symbolism, right before the end of human history.

Naraiel: Before the Judgment, right?

Zahakiel: Yes.

Verse 10: “The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.” This serves to remind us that this is an issue with the last days. I’ve read a number of commentaries on Joel 2, including the SDA one, and they never seem quite certain of when this prophecy is to be fulfilled. It seems clear to me that this idea of the sun and moon being dark, and the stars no longer shining in the heavens… that is a direct link to Revelation’s Sixth Seal symbolism, right before the end of human history.

“And Yahweh shall utter His voice before his army, for His camp is very great, for He is strong that executeth his word. For the day of Yahweh is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?” (Joel 2:11)

It might seem that we have something of an issue here with this destroying agent being called “Yahweh’s army.” In some Christian hymns, the Gospel workers are called the “lord’s army,” and so some might think that this designation could or should apply to the Redeemed. And yet, I can’t think of anywhere in Scriptures where the Church members, at least not the New Testament believers, are called an “army.” If I did miss somewhere, it’s not a common designation. There is some military symbolism, like the Armor of Faith, but that’s usually applied to individuals only. It is also true that there were a lot of military symbols applied to Yah’s people in the Old Testament, but that was a matter of necessity – they actually were an army, with orders from Heaven to conquer the land in the name of the Almighty of Israel.

But even in the Old Testament, the phrase “The Army (or Host) of Heaven” generally referred not to people, but to angels, to divine agencies independent of human beings. You may have seen in a couple verses the phrase, the name of Yahweh, given as “The Lord Saboath.” That last word means “of Armies,” and so it is calling Him in those places, “Yahweh of Armies.” This refers to His Host, or His strength to either protect or destroy; and destruction is the order given to the angels in Ezekiel 9 in the last days, and also this “great people” in Joel 2.

After we establish that the people mentioned here are Yahweh’s agents of judgment, based upon what they are doing, we now see confirmation of that as the chapter then turns to a discussion of the saints – and presents a very different picture than the one we have just seen.

“‘Therefore also now,’ saith Yahweh, ‘turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.’ And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto Yahweh your God; for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil. Who knoweth if He will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind Him, even a meat offering and a drink offering unto Yahweh your Almighty?” (Joel 2:12-14)

Seeing that the earth is being devoured by the destroyers, those who would be saved are encouraged to repent of their ways. This demonstrates that these are, in fact, two distinct groups of beings. This is a final warning to the earth, and is not concerned with any outward shows of sorrow for sin, which would be like a rending of the mere garments, but a soul-deep searching and putting-away of all that would bind us to the earth that is being devoured around us. Yahweh will save to the utmost all those who come to Him in faith. The unfortunate thing is that Satan has had long years to uneducate and miseducate people about what “faith” is. The only sure way to turn to Yahweh in this generation, as really in any, is to rely upon Him completely, losing sight of self, sin and temptation in the process. By doing this we become, not ignorant of our own person-hood and individuality, but rather free to be our true selves, separate from the slavery of sin that had so long held us captive. And doing this, trusting fully in the Almighty, is the very “sealing” that takes place in the parallel passages of Ezek 9 and Rev 7. Do you see the connection there?

Naraiel: Yes.
Abraham: Yes.
Happy Rock: Yes.
Crystle: Yes.
Peterson: Yes.
Guerline: Yes.
Tain: Yes.
Qinael: Yes.
Barbara: Ok.

Zahakiel: We then, after we are shown these people being urged to repent, see a similar instruction to that given in verse 1: “Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly. Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.” (Joel 2:15, 16) Here the trumpet is blown again – a symbol of victory and judgment. And it is very fitting that Yahweh chose today for this study, as it happens to be the “Feast of Trumpets,” the first day (a New Moon) of the seventh month. Today, of all days, is an annual reminder of the Judgment of Yahweh, not a thing to be feared – in terms of terror – but a thing to be greatly respected, and for which it is absolutely vital that we be prepared.

But here we see the trumpet being blown, not specifically to show errors, but as a call to assemble. So many follow the course of independent ministries, or feel no need of organized fellowship. This passage, like so many others, reveals the heart of Yah toward His people. He wishes them to be organized, assembled, and perfectly united. And in their assembly, they are to be sanctified, spiritually refined.

Happy Rock: Amen.

Zahakiel: “Let the priests, the ministers of Yahweh, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Yahweh, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, ‘Where is their God?’” (Joel 2:17)

This is a verse pointing out the power of intercessory prayer. The elders in the Church at this point feel a strong burden for the state of the congregation, and with earnest prayer ask that they be cleansed from all unrighteousness, and made ready for service in eternity. In the next few verses we see the result of this intercession:

“Then will Yahweh be jealous for his land, and pity His people. Yea, Yahweh will answer and say unto His people, ‘Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith; and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen. But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.’” (Joel 2:18-20)

I did a study some time ago on the way that intercession works. It is not that Yahweh will not move on His own to save His people, but there are a couple things to consider. First, if Yahweh always acts to save His people despite someone (a human) not interceding for them, the salvation He provides will not have the desired, permanent effect. Remember, the primary goal of the faith – in both Old and New Testaments – is to refine the soul, to cut it off from sin and Satan’s power, and to prepare it for immortality. If we are not subjected to the trials that the demons’ presence brings, Yah will have had no reason for allowing all this trouble in the first place. And if we ever, for any reason, begin to take His saving power for granted, the gentle persuasion of the Holy Spirit will no be effective in our lives.

Does everyone see what I mean by that?

Qinael: <nods.>
Abraham: Yes.
Guerline: Yes.
Happy Rock: Yes.
Barbara: Yes
Naraiel: Yes.
Peterson: Yes.

Tain: I’m trying to wrap my head around your last comment. “If we take His saving power for granted, the Holy Spirit will not be effective in our lives.” Are you saying that if we take Yah for granted, the Holy Spirit will not be able to talk to us?

Zahakiel: That’s right, because we become less sensitive to that gentle voice. Yahweh does not use force with His people. And so if we become hard of hearing, there’s only so much He can press on us without it infringing on the freedom He has given us.

Tain: Ok.

Zahakiel: Here is another way of looking at it…

The Word says that Yahweh’s “goodness” leads us to repentance, but if His goodness is done behind the scenes, or in a way we cannot discern (perhaps because we have not been earnestly seeking), we will not have anything to lead us to life. And this also explains why Yah is always so concerned for His “name.” It its written that He makes His name holy for our sakes; it is not that He requires praise and worship, He got along just fine before the creation of other beings. But if His name is unknown, humans will not know that they have a Savior, and will believe (as many now, sadly, do due to the deception of others) that they have simply been abandoned on this earth with nothing further to come.

Guerline: And that made me think, how much we also need to sanctify ourselves not so much for our salvation only but most for those who are looking up to us.

Zahakiel: That’s very true, yes. And Joel 2 points this out also.

In fact, this idea of visibility is one of the reasons why Yahweh seeks a tangible intercessor before He acts in many cases. In Sodom, He would have spared the five cities had ten intercessors been present. He spared Israel because of Moses’ prayers. He spares this earth because of the presence of Christians, waiting only for them to be completed, matured, before He unveils the glory that has for so long been held in check.

Naraiel: And Noah too.

Zahakiel: Yes, humanity for Noah’s sake.

And now, we see from that passage that He will protect His people from the “Northern army.” Does anyone know what the north signifies in prophecy?

Guerline: Egypt, the siege of Satan?

Zahakiel: Egypt is actually the South.

Guerline: ok.

Naraiel: Babylon is to the north.

Zahakiel: Yes, that’s correct. We must look at where the land of Israel is actually located. To the north of Israel is Babylon. Whenever, therefore, you read that “destruction comes from the north” or anything like that, it’s referring to Babylon. And we can see, then, how the symbolism works as we apply it to our situation. Yahweh preserves His people from destruction, confusion, the “force” that is ever-present in false and fallen religions… everything represented by the “Babylon” symbol in the Book of Revelation. And what we must do to receive this is to have all our people, but especially those in positions of authority, always praying for the protection and sanctification of the Church.

Abraham: Amen.

Zahakiel: There is another thing of note here. There are some who, not understanding the New Testament teaching that Christians have been “grafted in” to the nation of Israel, and thinking that the actual land that we now call “Israel” continues to have a major role in prophetic statements, may use the above to justify that belief saying, “Look, Yahweh is jealous for His land.” In another study we may go into that in a little more detail, but it is apparent from the verse below it, and other places, that the land is not the physical, earthly location, but the people who (at the time the prophecy should be applied) are His chosen. We read:

“Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for Yahweh will do great things. Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field, for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.” (Joel 2:21, 22)

This is obviously speaking to the people who were IN Israel during the time of Joel’s ministry, and who are now in “the Israel of promise,” as opposed to “Israel after the flesh,” (1Cor 10:18 – the Bible does make a distinction between the two) – so it’s about the people, not the place.

Any questions on this?

Peterson: No.
Abraham: None.
Crystle: No.
Qinael: No.
Naraiel: No.
Guerline: No.
Tain: No.
Barbara: No.
Happy Rock: No.

Zahakiel: Ok, the next verse introduces another matter:

Verse 23: “Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in Yahweh your God, for He hath given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.”

Now we who have been Seventh-day Adventists have all been taught, and rightly, that this idea of the “rain” represents the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Joel 2 is a very clear confirmation of this. We have considered the Former rain to be the first outpouring of the Spirit in the Book of Acts, a rain that prepares the soil for the planting of the seed. And then we see the Latter rain as that refreshing shower just before the harvest that revives the crops from the heat of summer and prepares them for the harvest. The practical interpretation of the Spirit’s actions here should be obvious. But what about “the first month?” That is something that is not often considered, and the reason is this: Mainstream Adventists have lost, or – to be more accurate – never fully gained, the blessing of being a feast-keeping religion.

Had they been, they would have more easily realized that the “first month” of both the civil and religious calendars contain… feasts. The first month of the religious calendar contains Passover, the Spring Feast. The first month of the civil calendar (which we are now in) contains Tabernacles, the Fall Feast. The rains coincide perfectly with the appointed times, and this is not, of course, a coincidence. Yahweh pours out His Spirit in unique and powerful ways during the assembling of His people, and while we do not, as a matter of doctrine, hold feast attendance to be mandatory, we say, as Paul did, we “must by all means” keep them, lest we miss the very blessings necessary for the maturation of our sanctification and the protection and blessings we will need in the days to come. How shall we avoid destruction and deception, after all, if we do not take every opportunity Yahweh gives us for safety and protection? He does not offer gifts idly.

Guerline: Amen.

Zahakiel: And now the promises:

“And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil. And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of Yahweh your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am Yahweh your Almighty, and none else; and my people shall never be ashamed.” (Joel 2:24-27)

This is just what the Latter rain does. After a time of heat, and trouble, and harshness, the rain comes and “restores.” It gives back all the strength we may have expended in the times of trial. It reveals to us the care that Yahweh has had over us even during the darkest of times. It satisfies us.

Happy Rock: Amen.

Zahakiel: As Paul rightly said, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Rom 8:18) In other words, it’ll be worth any suffering we now experience, for when we see the glory of Heaven, we will realize just how small a price even the most tormented martyr has paid for the things into which we shall enter.

Now here is a very well-known passage:

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.” (Joel 2:28-30)

This is, of course, applicable to the New Testament church. Peter quotes it in the Book of Acts. Revelation tells us the last generation of Saints will have the Testimony of Jesus, which is “the spirit of prophecy.” I recently submitted an article for the next Signet newsletter entitled “The Curse of ‘Independence.’” In it I discuss, among other things, the differences between a Church such as ours and independent movements. One of the things we claim is direct prophetic justification for our actions and decisions. We have not only the correct interpretation of prophecy, but also those who speak with Yahweh and receive insights directly. This is not something many religious movements that are considered “mainstream” will claim – and yet, according to Revelation, they are not true Churches unless they do.

And the Spirit of Prophecy is not, as some think, limited to any one individual or body of work. It is to be on “all flesh.” To one extent or another, every truly converted Christian has the Spirit of Prophecy. It’s just that it will manifest itself to a greater or lesser extent based upon that individual’s natural gifts and divine calling. Some are called to the prophetic “office,” the most visible example. Others are gifted with discernment, and still others just have a “feel” for what is the right action. And these, all working together, build up the sure course of the corporate Body of Messiah.

Happy Rock: Amen.

Zahakiel: One last passage for Joel 2: “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of Yahweh come. And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of Yahweh shall be delivered; for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as Yahweh hath said, and in the remnant whom Yahweh shall call.” (Joel 2:31, 32)

The first part is reminding us that Joel is predicting an end-of-days scenario, and the verses read easily enough, but as we close I’d like to draw your attention to this phrase: “for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as Yahweh hath said, and in the remnant whom Yahweh shall call.” Let your minds consider this statement for a while, and see just how powerful it is. Salvation is “in,” not just “with” or “upon” the Remnant that Yahweh has (at this point) called and is yet calling. We who are the redeemed are not just provided with salvation, we are imbued with it, filled and saturated with it… Remember, or read it over if you missed it, that quote from Romans 8. It does not say we rejoice merely in the glory revealed to us, but rather, “the glory which shall be revealed in us.” And after that, going back to the beginning of the Joel 2 chapter we are reading, in a full circle, we are instructed to lift up our voices, to blow the trumpets, to let this salvation be known to the world. This is an awesome and terrible responsibility, but we can do it, because Salvation is “in the remnant.”

This is a great blessing to consider, and something to be given some time in thought and prayer today, the New Moon. Salvation is in us. What temptation can overcome us? What sorrow can keep us in a state of despondency for any appreciable length of time? What concerns of job, or family, or health, can keep us from our appointed task for the Kingdom of Heaven? Let us go to others, in obedience of this instruction, and believe, and reveal, the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel 2: We are a part of the prophetic Body of Christ, and we are filled with the Salvation of the Almighty.

Are there any questions before we close?

Barbara: No.
Happy Rock: No.
Tain: No.
Guerline: No.
Naraiel: No.
Peterson: No.
Qinael: No.

Abraham: A great blessing is in this.

Pastor “Chick”: Despondency is not to be among us for even a minute.

Naraiel: I was going to say, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31)

Guerline: Amen.

Zahakiel: Ok :) Then I will ask Bro. Luke to dismiss our meeting with a prayer.

Qinael: Our holy and loving Father,

We thank you for the message you have given us this morning, both to hear and to bear. We are thankful that even with the sternest warnings and reproofs, you always offer a message of mercy to those receiving it. In our case, you have given us a message of very stern warning to deliver to the world and those who love sin. And the very instruments of this warning you have filled with your salvation, that it can rightly be said to be “in us.”

We ask your blessing on us as we go forward to show the world your love and to declare your judgment on all that is not of that love...

In the name of Yahshua we pray, amen.

Barbara: Amen.
Abraham: Amen.
Tain: Amen.
Zahakiel: Amen.
Guerline: Amen.
Naraiel: Amen.
Peterson: Amen.
Happy Rock: Amen.
Crystle: Amen.