Awakening to God's Call: Choices for Eternal Purpose

 

Summary

Good morning, everyone. My name is Kyle Welch, and I am the campus pastor for Casa Grande. Today, we are starting a new series on the book of Joel. Before we dive into the message, let's take a moment to pray for our church, for the work God is doing in Chandler, Casa Grande, and the Philippines, and for the message today. We pray that God will open our hearts and minds to His word and that His Holy Spirit will move among us. Amen. [33:08]

In 2014, authors Steven Levitt and Steven Dubner sought to answer a question: What are the three hardest words in the English language to say? They discovered that the hardest words are "I don't know." This reluctance to admit uncertainty is prevalent in our lives, especially when it comes to predicting the future. We often wish we could see into the future to make better decisions, but the truth is, we cannot. This brings us to the prophecy of Joel, which is concerned with future events and offers us guidance on how to live in the present. [35:30]

The book of Joel begins with a devastating event: a plague of locusts that destroyed the land of Judah. The people of Judah believed this was a judgment from God for their sins. Joel uses this event as a wake-up call, urging the people to repent and return to God. He calls for a time of mourning, fasting, and prayer, emphasizing that the purpose of life is not to return to normal but to return to God. [39:03] [41:26]

Joel's prophecy also speaks of the "day of the Lord," a future event that the people of Judah feared as a day of judgment and destruction. However, Joel reassures them that for those who follow God, the day of the Lord will be a day of victory and joy. He describes a future where the mountains will drip with new wine, the hills will flow with milk, and the ravines will run with water. This imagery points to the new heavens and the new earth, a place of eternal peace and joy. [43:05] [52:46]

In our lives, we often get caught up in the daily grind, living on autopilot and missing the bigger picture. Joel's prophecy serves as a reminder to wake up and see the real story we are living in. The day of the Lord is meant to remind us of the ultimate end of our story, where Jesus returns, and we go home to a place of eternal peace and joy. [46:43] [51:39]

The decisions we make today determine the day we have when Jesus returns. Joel speaks of the "valley of decision," where people must choose to follow God or continue in their ways. This choice is crucial because it shapes our eternal destiny. We are called to take the next courageous step toward following Jesus, whether that means making a decision for Him, getting baptized, joining a life group, or serving in the church. [01:09:50] [01:11:14]

As we close, I want to share a story about my son and his journey with building Legos. He started with simple blocks and gradually moved on to more complex creations. This process of building, one brick at a time, mirrors our journey of faith. We build our lives one decision at a time, and each decision shapes our story. Today, you have a choice to make. You can leave and go back to your normal life, or you can take the next courageous step toward truly following Jesus. [01:14:20] [01:15:54]

Let's pray together. We pray for the people living in Israel and Jerusalem, for peace to come through the gospel of Jesus Christ. We also pray for everyone here, that we would have the courage to take the next step in our journey of faith. Amen. [01:17:31]

### Key Takeaways

1. The Hardest Words to Say: Admitting "I don't know" can be difficult, but it is essential for growth. Acknowledging our limitations allows us to rely on God's wisdom and guidance. In a world obsessed with certainty, embracing our uncertainty can lead us to deeper faith and trust in God. [35:30]

2. Wake-Up Call: The plague of locusts in Judah was a wake-up call for the people to return to God. Similarly, the challenges we face in life are opportunities to reassess our priorities and realign our lives with God's will. It's not about getting back to normal but getting back to God. [39:03]

3. The Day of the Lord: For those who follow God, the day of the Lord is not a day of fear but a day of joy and victory. This future hope should shape how we live today, reminding us that our ultimate home is with God in a place of eternal peace and joy. [43:05]

4. Living with Purpose: The prophecy of Joel calls us to wake up from our autopilot lives and see the bigger story we are part of. Our daily decisions matter and contribute to the eternal story God is writing. We must live with intentionality and purpose, knowing that Jesus could return at any moment. [46:43]

5. The Valley of Decision: We all stand in the valley of decision, where we must choose to follow God or continue in our ways. This choice is crucial as it determines our eternal destiny. Taking the next courageous step toward following Jesus is essential for living a life of purpose and meaning. [01:09:50]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[33:08] - Introduction and Prayer
[35:30] - The Hardest Words to Say
[39:03] - The Plague of Locusts
[41:26] - Call to Repentance
[43:05] - The Day of the Lord
[46:43] - Living with Purpose
[51:39] - The Real Story
[52:46] - Returning to God
[01:09:50] - The Valley of Decision
[01:11:14] - Building Our Lives
[01:14:20] - Taking the Next Step
[01:15:54] - Final Prayer and Call to Action

Study Guide

### Bible Reading

1. Joel 1:2-4 (NIV)
> Hear this, you elders; listen, all who live in the land. Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your ancestors? Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. What the locust swarm has left the great locusts have eaten; what the great locusts have left the young locusts have eaten; what the young locusts have left other locusts have eaten.

2. Joel 2:1-2 (NIV)
> Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand— a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was in ancient times nor ever will be in ages to come.

3. Joel 3:14 (NIV)
> Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.

### Observation Questions

1. What event does Joel describe at the beginning of his prophecy, and how did it affect the land of Judah? (Joel 1:2-4)
2. According to Joel 2:1-2, how is the "day of the Lord" described, and what emotions does it evoke?
3. What does Joel mean by the "valley of decision" in Joel 3:14, and why is it significant? (Joel 3:14)
4. In the sermon, what modern-day examples did Pastor Kyle use to illustrate living on autopilot? [48:50]

### Interpretation Questions

1. How might the locust plague in Joel 1:2-4 serve as a wake-up call for the people of Judah, and what does it symbolize in our lives today? [39:03]
2. What is the significance of the "day of the Lord" being both a day of judgment and a day of hope, as described in Joel 2:1-2 and the sermon? [43:05]
3. How does the concept of the "valley of decision" in Joel 3:14 relate to the choices we make in our daily lives, and what are the implications of these choices? [01:09:50]
4. Pastor Kyle mentioned that the purpose of life is not to return to normal but to return to God. How does this perspective change the way we view challenges and setbacks? [52:14]

### Application Questions

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge or setback. How did it serve as a wake-up call for you to reassess your priorities and realign your life with God's will? [39:03]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of living with purpose and intentionality. What are some practical steps you can take to avoid living on autopilot and stay focused on the bigger picture? [48:50]
3. Pastor Kyle spoke about the "valley of decision" and the importance of making choices that align with God's will. What is one courageous step you feel God is calling you to take in your faith journey right now? [01:09:50]
4. How can you cultivate a mindset of hope and anticipation for the "day of the Lord" rather than fear and anxiety? What specific actions can you take to live in a way that reflects this hope? [43:05]
5. Pastor Kyle shared a story about his son's journey with building Legos, emphasizing that our lives are built one decision at a time. What is one decision you can make this week to build a stronger foundation in your faith? [01:14:20]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of community and taking steps like joining a life group or serving in the church. How can you get more involved in your church community, and what impact do you hope it will have on your spiritual growth? [01:16:58]
7. Reflect on the prayer for peace in Israel and Jerusalem. How can you incorporate prayers for global issues into your daily prayer life, and why is it important to do so? [01:17:31]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Uncertainty
Description: Admitting "I don't know" can be one of the hardest things to do, yet it is essential for growth. In a world obsessed with certainty and control, acknowledging our limitations allows us to rely on God's wisdom and guidance. This humility opens the door to deeper faith and trust in God, who knows all things and holds the future in His hands. Embracing our uncertainty can lead us to a more profound dependence on God, allowing His plans to unfold in our lives. [35:30]

Jeremiah 10:23-24 (ESV): "I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Correct me, O Lord, but in justice; not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing."

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you feel uncertain or out of control. How can you surrender this uncertainty to God and trust in His wisdom today?


Day 2: Returning to God
Description: The plague of locusts in Judah was a wake-up call for the people to return to God. Similarly, the challenges we face in life are opportunities to reassess our priorities and realign our lives with God's will. It's not about getting back to normal but getting back to God. When we face difficulties, it is a chance to turn our hearts back to Him, seeking His guidance and presence in our lives. This return to God is marked by repentance, mourning, fasting, and prayer, as we seek to restore our relationship with Him. [39:03]

Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."

Reflection: What challenges are you currently facing that could be a wake-up call to return to God? How can you take a step today to realign your life with His will?


Day 3: Hope in the Day of the Lord
Description: For those who follow God, the day of the Lord is not a day of fear but a day of joy and victory. This future hope should shape how we live today, reminding us that our ultimate home is with God in a place of eternal peace and joy. The imagery of mountains dripping with new wine, hills flowing with milk, and ravines running with water points to the new heavens and the new earth, a place of eternal peace and joy. This hope encourages us to live with purpose and intentionality, knowing that our ultimate destiny is with God. [43:05]

Isaiah 65:17-18 (ESV): "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness."

Reflection: How does the hope of the new heavens and the new earth shape your perspective on your current life? What changes can you make today to live with this future hope in mind?


Day 4: Living with Intentionality
Description: The prophecy of Joel calls us to wake up from our autopilot lives and see the bigger story we are part of. Our daily decisions matter and contribute to the eternal story God is writing. We must live with intentionality and purpose, knowing that Jesus could return at any moment. This means being mindful of our actions, choices, and priorities, ensuring that they align with God's will and purpose for our lives. By living with intentionality, we can make a meaningful impact on the world around us and fulfill the calling God has placed on our lives. [46:43]

Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you living on autopilot? How can you start living with more intentionality and purpose today?


Day 5: The Valley of Decision
Description: We all stand in the valley of decision, where we must choose to follow God or continue in our ways. This choice is crucial as it determines our eternal destiny. Taking the next courageous step toward following Jesus is essential for living a life of purpose and meaning. Whether it means making a decision for Him, getting baptized, joining a life group, or serving in the church, each step we take shapes our story and brings us closer to God. Our journey of faith is built one decision at a time, and each decision matters in the grand scheme of God's plan for our lives. [01:09:50]

Joel 3:14 (ESV): "Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision."

Reflection: What is the next courageous step you need to take in your journey of faith? How can you take that step today, trusting that God will guide and support you?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Wherever you're at in your life right now, you might be going through a tough relationship right now. You're at odds with somebody who is close to you. Things are not okay. You just want them to go back to being okay and you're not sure that they ever will be. And you're wondering, what am I supposed to do? Today you need to hear that that is not the end of your story. You might have come to church hopeless today because you think that nobody notices you. You work hard, but nobody says good job or thank you so much. You sacrifice, but it just doesn't seem like anybody cares. And you've come to the point where you don't expect anybody is gonna value you in the way that you need to feel valued. You need to hear today that that is not the end of your story." [59:24](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "The question was this. What are the three hardest words in the English language to say? And I'm not talking about hardest words to pronounce. Like we're not talking about supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. We're not talking about Worcestershire sauce. I can't even say it. I'm talking about a phrase. I'm talking about a sentence. Three words. That when you put them together. People do not want to say those words. Do we have any guesses right now? Let me hear it. Okay. I heard some people say I love you. That's difficult for some people to say. I heard other people say I trust you. That's difficult for people to say. For some of you. Including some senior pastors. It might be quite difficult to say these three words that are close to my heart. Go Cubs go. But the authors. According to their study. Discovered that the three hardest words in the English language for people to say are these words. I don't know." [35:30](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "The risk we all face. Is getting stuck in the middle of an auto pilot life. Have you seen these Waymo's driving around? These cars with no drivers. Those things terrify me man. Not only. Because I think I'm going to get into an accident with one. Like no. Those things are super advanced. I know they're still working out the bugs. But they can see 300 yards in every direction. And those driverless cars. Are never looking down at their phones. While they're driving. I might trust them on the road. More than I trust any of us sitting here today. No. They terrify me because. One of the main pieces of human life. That we still have." [47:20](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "We'd use it to play the stock market. We'd use it to win arguments. My kids would use it to cheat at Go Fish. And this is topical. Because right now. In our world. For believers especially. It feels like something of future significance is about to happen. With everything taking place in Israel. And in the Middle East. With the current geopolitical climate. With tensions between the United States and other nations. With the proliferation of AI technologies. People are wondering is this the time when Jesus will finally return. And that's the part of the purpose for this series. For three weeks. We're going to be digging into the book of Joel. A book of prophecy. That was concerned with the events of the future." [38:26](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

5. "You can leave today. You can go back to your normal life and change nothing. Or you can take the next courageous step toward truly following Jesus. I don't know what he's calling you to. Maybe he's calling you to make a decision for him today. To be a part of his life. To be a part of his life. To be a part of his church. To be a part of his life today. Or maybe you've been baptized today. Maybe that's the next step that God is calling you to make. Or maybe you've been baptized and you've been sneaking in here and sneaking out and that's kind of the nice thing about being in a church like this. You can be here and not really know anybody. Maybe the next courageous step that God is asking you to take is to join a life group." [01:15:54](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The purpose of prophecy, like the prophecy of Joel, is to take God's people and shake them loose from daily life and help them see their lives from a wider perspective. Stop obsessing about your drama with that person at work. Stop worrying about your second quarter earnings. Something bigger in life is going on here. Something bigger in life is going on here. Wake up! And the swarm of locusts that destroyed the land of Judah was a wake-up call to God's people. As the prophet says at the open of the prophecy in Joel 1, verse 5, he says, Wake up, you drunkards, and weep! people of Judah needed to wake up. They had gone to sleep in the midst of the tasks of daily life and had forgotten the larger story of which they were a part." [50:27](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "When tough times come, we think the purpose of life is simply to get back to normal. That's just how we are. When tough times come, we think the purpose of life is simply to get back to normal. I mean, that was true for me. I had cancer a little over 10 years ago. All I thought about was just going back to normal. I want to go back to when I have my hair. I want to go back to when I have my strength. I want to go back to when I'm not throwing up in a toilet. I want to go back to when I don't have problems in my life. We want to go back to normal. And yet, is that the purpose of life? To simply go back to normal?" [52:14](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "The day of the Lord is meant to remind us of the real story in which we are living. William Shatner, who famously played Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek. Do you see this, man? He actually went into outer space, for real. At 90 years old, William Shatner is actually the oldest man to ever travel into outer space. But he was surprised by his reaction to the experience of the whole thing, of going into space. Here's what he said, listen to this. My trip to space was supposed to be a celebration. Instead, it felt like a funeral. It was among the strongest feelings of grief I have ever encountered. The contrast between the vicious coldness of space and the warm nurturing of earth below filled me with an overwhelming sadness. Everything I had thought was wrong. Everything I had expected to see was wrong. I had a different experience. Because I discovered that the beauty isn't out there, it's down here with all of us. Leaving that behind made my connection to our tiny planet even more profound." [01:02:42](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "The day of the Lord is going to be a day of victory and of life. The day of the Lord, the coming of Jesus, is only a terror if we are not walking in God's way. If we don't believe in Jesus, if we're not following his way of life, then we should be legitimately nervous about the coming day of the Lord. But if we're living the Christian life, then the day of the Lord is something to look forward to. It's not a day of fire and brimstone and trauma. Instead, it's a day to anticipate with joy. Joy. That's what the prophet Joel tells to the people of Judah to give them hope. He says this, Joel chapter 3 verse 18, he says, in that day, the day of the Lord, the mountains will drip with new wine. The hills will flow with milk. All the ravines of Judah will run with water. A fountain will flow out of the Lord's house and will water the valley of the Acacias." [01:04:54](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

5. "The decisions that we make determine the day we have when Jesus returns. The decisions we make will determine the day when Jesus returns. Near the end of Joel's prophecy, he says something very curious and very strange. The prophet says this in Joel chapter three, verse 14. He says, multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision, for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. In speaking about the coming day of the Lord, the prophet says that many people are in a place where they must make a decision. Even now today, we are in the valley of decision. The Hebrew word for decision is charutz. We're going to try it. Everybody say, charutz. That was pretty good. You got it. It means to cut. It means to make a strong determination. It's like working with an electric table saw. Like when you're cutting two by fours, you only got one shot. You can measure twice. You can measure three times, four times, 20 times. You can only cut once. Because once you made the cut, you've made a decision. You made a choice. You can't take it back." [01:09:50](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

Chatbot