http://countrysidechurchofchrist.sermon.net/main/main/21485836
Amos Ch. 6:12-14,7:1-9 “A Grim Paradox”
Consider the lilies of the field… Matt 6:28
Consider the lilies of the field… Matt 6:28
http://countrysidechurchofchrist.sermon.net/main/main/21485836
Amos Ch. 6:12-14,7:1-9 “A Grim Paradox”
thedailylily.com 
Pastor Reggie’s powerful lesson on this “grim paradox” speaks of two significant things that “ought not to be” and one involves attitude and the other involves sight. We learned that the Israelites’ attitude toward proper values and behavior was the “exact opposite of what it ought to be” and the way they saw things was “the exact opposite of what it ought to be” to the point that “their entire judicial system had become a sour joke.” They were apparently so enamored with themselves and so proud, that they thought they had seized a couple of big important cities. We find out that one of them , Lo-debar, literally means ‘nothing’, so Amos’ reaction is to their bounty is ‘so what!’
While they are busy “falsely imagining that they seized something by their own strength”, and what they think is so big and important, God is planning to “bring them down”. Pastor Reggie turns the tables back to America at this point and says, “It’s about time that America recognizes Who controls the destiny of nations and that Almighty God determines the destiny of our country.”
It is sobering to hear that though Amos begs and pleads for God’s mercy for the Israelites from two different judgments (and God relents due to his powerful prayers), that when the ‘plumb line’ drops, there is no more relenting. Pastor Reggie gave us a really good example: failure to live up to the absolute truth of God (which never changes) and His standards has dire consequences. He said that when you drop the plumb line and the house is out of plumb, the only thing left to do is to tear it completely down.
Once again, Debi, you have given excellent summary. Sobering truth
Not again Debi! I’v often heard, “words do matter.” I went to bed last evening after listening to Pastor Reggie expounding on these scriptures from Amos with the name “America” having low hanging fruit with bruises, blemishes and rot. I’m much aware my name is listed as an American. I got up and tried to make sure my gift of words were in order. Then, read your report here and thought oh no, more to do.
As we read, ponder, pray and accept these words from Amos as truth. Then accept history often repeats itself. Then accept the good news from Jesus when He says, “He is the light of the World.” John 8:12 And, the go and do, “the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 17) Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. 18) For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.…” Berean Study Bible
I don’t want to be in a Christian pack of wolves in sheep clothing with a lot of words but no light or fruit!
Amen, Sara.
These words from James 1:26,27 sure warn of empty words with no action…
“Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.”
And 2 Timothy 2:17 tells us to avoid them. “Stay clear of pious talk that is only talk. Words are not mere words, you know. If they’re not backed by a godly life, they accumulate as poison in the soul.”
Pastor Reggie’s lesson led me again to sit on the edge of my seat. Looking at what is happening all over America and what happened in Amos day takes your breath away.
Pastor Reggie stated, “It’s about time that America recognizes who controls the destiny of nations and that the Almighty God determines the destiny of our country.”
Contemplating the above, I thought of a little song I use to sing with very young ones, which you all know,. The lyrics go somewhat like this without duplicate phrases included. “The the wise man built his house upon the rock…. And the rains came tumbling down ….the rains came down the floods came up ….and the house on the rock stood firm…. the foolish man built his house upon the sand…. the rains came tumbling .down …..the rains came down and floods came up….and the house on the the sand went smash. The wise foundation being Jesus and the foolish foundation being unsteady, gone, nothing.
Sure wish and pray America would stand on the rock ….
Pastor Reggie’s lessons in Amos have talked quite a bit about houses, especially the luxurious houses built from expensive stones, that would be destroyed just as the song Rena shared spoke of.
As I read the scripture verses related to the song shared above from Matthew 7, this verse told us how the wise build on the Rock. “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ” And vs 26,27 Message warned of this, “But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach.”
Thanks, Debi and Rena for taking us back to our roots in song and scripture. I believe we have found the answer to “work them into your life” (Msg Bible)it’s one word, love. I Corinthians 14:2 “…and, if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”1 John 4:8 (NIV) “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Matthew Henry Commentary says “Doing good to others will do none to us, if it be not done from love to God, and good-will to men. If we give away all we have, while we withhold the heart from God, it will not profit. Nor even the most painful sufferings. How are those deluded who look for acceptance and scanty and defective as they are corrupt and selfish.”
I think we have come full circle from Judges in the town and story where one family went out and welcomed the guest in for food and lodging and protection from community. Debi, maybe you can share the story or reference for our review.
Love gives life and hope. Remember it’s knowing God not talking God. It is so real and true when we study and yearn for truth, God gives the opportunity by opening doors to allow us the opportunity to live His Love!
Sara, I believe the story of hospitality and kindness you are referring to was from Judges Lesson 33 – “A Levite and his concubine. The sexual perversion of Israel” – Judges 19:6-28, Date:5-26-19.
In this lesson we learned that a Levite, his concubine and servant were traveling and decided to stay the night in Gibeah in the land of Benjamin. They arrived at sunset and rested in the town square but no one took them in (Pastor Reggie told us this lack of hospitality was an indictment against the people in that town). But there was an old man coming in from work in the fields who was not even from the place…he was an ‘outsider.’ Yet, after his hard day, he invited them to his house and told them he would give them anything they needed. He just didn’t want them to spend the night in that open square.
Thanks Debi, that’s it. An old man after working all day took the right road home by doing the right thing. That nameless old working man just warms the heart with his hospitality. What a story!
I read about The film “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is coming out on November 22. Tom Hanks is bringing Mr. Rogers to life in the movie, and he tells us what he took away from playing that role.
“I watched a documentary last year about Mr. Rogers and, I must say, I found myself moved to tears. I couldn’t recall anyone ever speaking to me in a gentle tone as a child. I couldn’t recall the kindness he exemplified either. I found myself cracked open in a way I didn’t expect, which made me wonder, “Who is teaching us on a national level today in the way that Mr. Rogers did? Who has a platform like his and is using it for good in the same way?”
I also thought, “Would Mr. Rogers even be successful today, or has our national collective voice become so hardened, so judgmental, and so critical that we might scoff at him or ridicule him? Would we even allow someone like Mr. Rogers the time or space to do what he did and reach us today?”
I also saw a video from the Crosby Family which the world over loves hearing their perfect pitched God Given talent of music to their daughter, Claire Ryann sings, plays instruments and performs. Awesome talent. I love watching this talented Christian family. Their theme is love.
Just this week their video touched the harp of love. They are 5 in family and all have love of music and movie “Frozen” 2 now. They were able to get 3 premier tickets to walk the red carpet. Mother gave the story with excitement and said she and youngest daughter would stay in hotel while they went. Little Claire, about age 6 face was so telling. Her very fav movie and yet she lost the desire to go. She said, ”no I will stay back.” That’s love. I imagine the Mother knew her child’s heart well. She was prepared with an answer, ‘I want you to go with a promise that you will find a time to go with me when it comes to theatre.’ All continued well in video.
Love in in the Air while hate is screaming from our political system and those that are caught in the vacuum machine. Which often is homes, churches, communities and leaders.
But, the winner is knowing love and sharing love. Living our lives in love. Thanksgiving and Christmas is a great time to review and rewrap our gifts to be of Christ. We can bring healing, joy, peace and love wrapped in red signifying the price paid for our joy. The world is in great need and the answer in found in John 3:16. But where are the carriers of this blood line? Lessons learned through living life are powerful tools to help heal. Mr Rogers in death brings life. A 6 year old child can lead us.
This family makes many sacrifices to love the world by giving the gift God has given them.
I’v heard it said we all need to feel safe, seen, soothed and secure. So often one might not have gotten that from a parent. I didn’t after age 9 from my Father. At a young age he unexpectantly died over night. No good bye, no voice, just death and silence.
My Mother was my life line and she did an excellent job of parenting. She knew God and she knew how to teach us of Our Heavenly Father and how He was now our earthly Father. We all have stories to share.
We all can reparent ourselves and our communities with love of God and His perfect way.
And, stay awhile in this truth as you wrap your gifts to give. “ Serving Christ Romans 14:17-19 “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
Love 2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. “Aim for restoration, comfort one another,agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
I’v been writing to bring awareness to each of us that believe Pastor Reggie and his warning to America. Yes, judgement comes to all some of us believe. Daily news tells us we are very divided as a nation. As a people. People are talking civil war plus more.
Yet, we that know God have a responsibility to live His teachings. For some of us we might need a refresher course of His teachings while developing our faith on a deeper level.
Do we know how to replace contempt for one another to understanding one another. Did Abigail follow her earth worldly husband or follow God when she feed the troops against the will of her husband? Do we as women step out in faith or find someone to hide behind so we can release our evil in the world to give wind for the evil? As we keep saying from Judges and Amos Judgement falls but there is no shield to hide behind. We come face to face with Truth and it’s verdict.
You asked Sara, ” Did Abigail follow her earth worldly husband or follow God when she feed the troops against the will of her husband? ”
In reviewing her story from I Samuel 25, it was apparent that Abigail did not follow her wicked, ill-tempered husband. In fact, when she learned of David and his troops needs, she ‘wasted no time’ and prepared food to send to his army. And, not only did she not consult her husband, she “didn’t tell her husband Nabal what she was doing” (vs 19). Abigail recognized and honored God’s chosen servants and tended to their needs. David blessed her and said, “Thank God for your good sense!”
Debi, thanks for sharing the story of Abigail, the wife with good sense! Another great story to ponder. A woman with good sense.
“But the winner is knowing love and sharing love. I pray God will help me to be a “doer” of His Word, not just a “talker”. 🙏
I pray also to be a doer of the Word of God. Personally, I think I really need help. Just not easy. The story we speak above about Abigail and her being a does sounds off track. Debi gives the details in her comment with the results being, “Abigail recognized and honored God’s chosen servants and tended to their needs. (This was against her husband’s desires). David blessed her and said, “Thank God for your good sense!”
Good sense! Now that’s a feather in one’s cap!