Further Study: A Holy and Just God
The prophet’s name, Joel, was common in Bible times, and it means “The Lord is 
God.” This name is appropriate to the overall theme of the book: only God is completely holy and just, and His work is sovereign on earth. The history of His people, as well as that of the nations, is in His hands. The same holds true for the life of every human being.
“The tremendous issues of eternity demand of us something besides an imaginary religion, a religion of words and forms, where truth is kept in the outer court. God calls for a revival and a reformation. The words of the Bible, and the Bible alone, should be heard from the pulpit. But the Bible has been robbed of its power, and the result is seen in a lowering of the tone of spiritual life. In many sermons of today there is not that divine manifestation which awakens the conscience and brings life to the soul. The hearers cannot say, ‘Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?’ Luke 24:32. There are many who are crying out for the living God, longing for the divine presence. Let the word of God speak to the heart. Let those who have heard only tradition and human theories and maxims, hear the voice of Him who can renew the soul unto eternal life.”—Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 626.
Discussion Questions:
- What are the ways in which Joel’s message is especially important to us, living as we are at the end of time when serious and sobering events undoubtedly await us?
- Read the whole book of Joel in one sitting and answer the following question: To what extent did Joel’s message apply to his generation and to what extent did it have a future application?
- Joel’s book describes various types of divine blessings poured upon God’s people. Does this prophecy make a distinction between material and spiritual blessings? If so, how?
- How does our understanding of the great controversy help us to understand the terrible trials and calamities that the world faces?
- The Ellen G. White quote in Friday’s study discusses an “imaginary religion.” What might that mean? How can we know if our religion is real or imaginary?
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Thank you for this week's lesson I really understand it except to make the link of locust plague and the main theme of the lesson, I need your help please, God bless you!
[Moderator note: Please do not write in all capitals.]
THE LESSON SAYS A HOLY GOD. HOW DO ONE DEFINE THE WORD "HOLY"
One dictionary definition of "holy" is this:
"exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness," and it would seem to fit this context. In other contexts "holy" is relative to the thing or person described. For instance, things may be "holy" because they are devoted to God.
Imaginary religion might include #1. having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof 2 Timothy 3 v 5. #2. going to church in order to have "felt needs" met instead of looking out for someone in need. #3 persistent and deliberate disobedience to God's holy law... among other things.
Indeed souls are hungry for the unchanged word of God. Ministers today are preaching what they desire to win many and make dollars. When they stand at the pulpit,healing and breakthroughs are their topics."Repent for the kingdom of God is near" is absent on their lips. They promise riches to their audience but its them who are getting billions while their people becoming poor poorer. So God is calling us today to save as His ministers to this world
Imaginary religion is a real problem. Some of us imagine to have experience with God but have nothing but autosuggestions. Some imgine that they are called for some services in church and ocupay space meant for somebody alse. They represent and offers themselfs not God.