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| MUSIC: Beethoven Symphony Pastorale |
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| The author's name AMOS, means "burden" or burden bearer," and may be a shortened form of a name like Amasiah (II Chronicles 17:16), meaning "The Lord Carries," Apparently Amos made his livelihood by herding sheep and cultivating wild figs or caring for sycamore trees, while living in the Judean city of Tekoa, southeast of Bethlehem. Called to be a spokesman for God, Amos delivered the messages in the cities of the northern kingdom..Samaria, Bethel, Gilgal, and others....in the eighth century. B. C. The messages of Amos reflect, the era of unprecedented economics and political prosperity in the northern kingdom of Israel. Not since the days of Solomon had times been so good. Amos renouces the people serverly for neglecting God's word, for social injustice, pleasure-seeking, self-indulgence, and gross idolatry. Israel's accountability is great than that of surrounding nations because she has had greater privileges. God's judgment is sure to come. In a series of five visions Amos portrays the imminence of the day of doom, warning his people that they ought to prepare to meet God. For the God fearing people, however, Amos has a word of hope and assurance. The day is coming when the kingdom of David will be reestablished and God's people will dwell in safety, living in the houses, they have built, and enjoying the fruit of their vineyards which they have planted. THE FIVE VISIONS Swarm of Locusts: 7: 1 -3--- God was preparing punishment, which he delayed only because of Amos's intervention. Fire: 7: 4-6 -- -- God was preparing to devour the land, but Amos intervened on behalf of the people. Wall and Plumbline: 7: 7-9 ---- God would see if the people were crooked, and if they were, he would punish them. Basket of Ripe Fruit 8: 1 ----The people were ripe for punishment; though once beautiful, they were now rotten. God Standing by the Altar: Punishment was executed. THE KEY VERSE Amos 5:24 - But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. KEY PEOPLE Amos, Amaziah, Jeroboam II KEY PLACES Bethel, Samaria SPECIAL FEATURES Amos uses striking metaphors from his shepherding and farming experience..........a loaded wagon (2:13), a roaring lion (3:8), a mutilated sheep (3:12), fat cows, (4:1), and a basket of ripe fruit (8:1,2)). Amos pronounced judgment from God on all the surrounding nations, then he included Judah and Israel. God is in supreme control of all the nations. Everyone is accountable to him. All people will have to account for their sin. When those who reject God seem to get ahead, don't envy their prosperity or feel sorry for yourself. Remember that we all must answer to God for how we live. Everyone was optimistic, business was booming, and people were happy (except for the poor and oppressed). With all the comfort and luxury came self-sufficiency and a false sense of security. But prosperity brought corruption and destruction. A complacent present leads to a disatrous future. Don't congratulate yourself for the blessings and benefits you now enjoy. They are from God. If you are more satisfied with yourself than with God, remember that everything is meaningless without Him. A self-sufficient attitude may be your downfall. The wealthy and powerful people of Samaria, the capital of Israel, had become prosperous, greedy, and unjust. illegal and immoral slavery came as the result of over taxation and land-grabbing. There was also cruelty and indifference towards the poor. God is weary of greed and will not tolerate injustice. God made all people; therefore, to ignore the poor is to ignore those whom God loves and whom Christ came to save. We must go beyond feeling bad for the poor and oppressed. We must act compassionately to stop injustice and help care for those in need. Although, many people had abandoned real faith in God, they still pretended to be religious. They were carrying on superficial religious exercises instead of having spiritual integrity and practing heartfelt obedience toward God. Merely participating in ceremony or ritual falls short of true religion. God wants simple trust in Him, not showy external actions. Don't settle for impressing others with external rituals when God wants heartfelt obedience and commitment. *~* As Amos used metaphors in his teaching, here is another *~* OBITUARY Mrs. Prayer Meeting died recently at the first Neglected Church on Worldly Avenue. Born many years ago in the midst of great revivals, she was a strong heathy child, fed largely on testimony and spiritual holiness soon growing into worlwide prominence and was one of the most influential members of the church family. For the past several years Sister Prayer Meeting has been in failing health, gradually wasting away until rendered helpless by stiffness of the knees, coldness of the heart, inactivity and weakness of purpose and will power. At last whispered words were inquiries concerning markets of trade and places of amusement. Her brother, Brother Class Meeting, passed away several years ago. Specialists, including Dr. Works and Dr. Joiner Disagreed as to her fatal illness, administering large doses of organization, socials, contest, drives suppers and religious education but to no avale. The post mortem showed a deficiency of spiritual food coupled with lack of fasting, faith, heartfelt religion, shameless desertion, and non-support as contributing causes for her death. Only a few were present at her last rites sobbing over memories of her past beauty and power. Carefully selected pall bearers were urged to bear her remains tenderly away, but failed to appear. There were no flowers. Her favorite hymns, "Amazing Grace" and "Rock of Ages" were not sung. Miss Irma Modern rendered "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere," but none had any idea where this fancied Isle might be. The body rested in the beautiful cemetery of her Bygone Glories awaiting the summons from above. In honor of her going, the church doors will be closed on Wednesdy nights, save on the third Wednesday of each month, when the Ladies Pink Lemonade Society serves refreshments to the members of the Men's Handball Team. (The Grace Ambassodor) Paid Announcement Compiled by Shirley Barr July 5, 2005 References used: KJV Bible, World's Bible Handbook Life Application Study Bible and the OBITUARY...old saved clipping from local newspaper date unknown |
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