10/27/14

From Jim McGuiggan... I FELT LIKE DANCING

I FELT LIKE DANCING

[I put this up quite some time ago, and before my Ethel died. Thinking back on some of the loveliest things I've been blest with reminded me of this isolated event in a stream of lovely moments—a moment that led me to write this. I can only ask you to trust me that it still "works".] 

I’ve tried to persuade Ethel down the years that I’m not worth much and God knows I’ve behaved badly enough to have made my point in the view of a host of others. She’s not buying it—seems she’s heard that God thinks I’m worth dying for.

Still, what I’m about to say is risky and those who have known the worst side of me on occasions (should they by some remote chance ever read anything I write) will curl their lip at the next few remarks because they’ll make me sound like Mr. Wonderful—fat chance of that being true!

If I weren’t already in love with Ethel, listening to Rod Stewart’s version of the old classic Long Ago & Far Away would make we want to be in love. I who have never danced feel like dancing when I listened to it just now.

I’ve never forgotten the power of romance—I’m not built to be able to do that—but I haven’t always remembered just how warming and enriching and sustaining a lovely romance can be.

Many Christians tend to think—so I judge—that everyone has an equal chance to live life in the celebration mode. I know better; and so should they! Loneliness, social isolation, the sense of being unwanted, the absence of tenderness, tender words, touches and kisses and glances—how could life not be tough in the absence of these? Those who have a profound need for such gifts but don't experience them wage an uphill battle and those who are in a happy and honorable and fulfilling romance should take that into account rather than assuming that their own religious devotion would be as real and deep if they were without a lovely companion.

[It makes no sense for us to rejoice in a gift God has given us and at the same time begrudge it to the entire human family. Instead of berating people for enjoying romance maybe we should remind them that it’s God’s gift to them.]

I accept the fact that we as a society are excessively interested in sex and all the so called “liberties” that go with it but that truth shouldn’t lead us to idiotic conclusions that deny the richness of the gift God has offered to us as humans in offering us romance. And I’m aware that there are those who are in relationships that are crushing them—a tragic circumstance; but none of that is what I wish to deal with here. I just feel the need to express my pleasure at the sound of music and the warmth of romance.

To dismiss the sheer pleasure in a love relationship between two people is to do more than God would do. He uses the metaphors of marriage and romance, of human lovers and happy brides and bridegrooms to express his own joy and when he came to us in and as Jesus he was no stranger to the happy mystery of a wedding.

As it is, I have a difficult enough time trying to please God and be like him; but if I were without the joys of a loving relationship—I’m talking about me—I don’t think I could make it.

I think my Ethel used to dance when she was a girl and I wish she could get out of her wheelchair and show me how. Oh well. Think I’ll put Rod Stewart on, twirl the wheelchair around as dancing and mime the words to her. 

Set her little heart all aflutter, don’t you know.

Religious McCarthyism by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=443

Religious McCarthyism

by  Dave Miller, Ph.D.

On February 9, 1950, a United States senator from Wisconsin delivered a routine speech that ultimately attracted the attention of the nation and the world. On that date, senator Joseph McCarthy launched his infamous tirade against the U.S. government, alleging Communist infiltration of the U.S. State Department.
McCarthy single-handedly succeeded in arousing the American population to an unprecedented state of panic and alarm. For two years, he sustained an enormous following of supporters by exploiting the legitimate mood of apprehension that had permeated the nation. This vulnerability to fear—which caused many Americans to believe McCarthy’s charges—was due to a number of circumstances: the genuine threat of Soviet atomic power; the fall of Chiang Kai-shek and Communist takeover of mainland China; the arrest and conviction of several Americans as Soviet spies; and the onset of the Korean War.
McCarthy exploited these fears, and in the process focused attention on himself. By accusing his opponents and critics of Communist sympathies, he gradually bullied them into silence. When questions were raised relative to the substance of his charges, McCarthy would respond, not with evidence, but with even stronger accusations—accusations that overwhelmed his opponents and kept his name in the headlines.
In 1951, on the Senate floor, he announced “a conspiracy so immense and an infamy so black as to dwarf any previous venture in the history of man.” When it came down to actually verifying his viewpoint, the allegations were without substance. He was a master at marshalling a shrewd blend of innuendo, half-truth, distortion, and theory that he then promoted with a brash, reckless, even unscrupulous manner that created an atmosphere of intimidation and “forced comformity.” An apparent opportunist with an enormous ego, McCarthy was not dissuaded by either persuasion or confrontation. His brashness, bullying tactics, and lack of meaningful evidence to support his charges, nevertheless, came across convincingly.
More than fifty years have passed since the McCarthy era. Looking back on it all, at least two observations are apparent: First, his charges were essentially without substance. Make no mistake: the problems he addressed were real enough—the threat of Communism was a fact. But the issues were so exaggerated, contorted, and misrepresented by the McCarthy approach to resolving the problem that, for all practical purposes, he succeeded only in compounding and aggravating the situation. In the process, an entire nation went through anguished soul-searching, bitter suspicion, and animosity. Second, there is absolutely no justification for publicly accusing people of disloyalty without sufficient evidence. McCarthy did not succeed in identifying any Communists employed by the government. Even if he had identified five, ten, or fifty, his soiling of the reputations of the innocent was inexcusable. Such reckless disregard for other people is both callous and despicable.
How does God view these two matters? In Deuteronomy 19:15-20, God underscored the fact that a single witness was insufficient to convict a person of sin. Two or three were necessary to confirm the factuality of a matter. By “witnesses,” God meant independent witnesses—not one who then relates his observations to two or three others who, in turn, take his word for it and become official members of a group of putative “witnesses.” Rather, each of the witnesses must be independent, firsthand observers. God wanted thorough investigation—not hearsay—before any action was to be taken against a person. If an accusing brother’s charges were found to be false, the false witness was to receive the punishment that he hoped to inflict on his brother.
If every person who accused another person had to verify and substantiate his claims or suffer severe consequences, far less gossip and innuendo would be generated and perpetuated. If a person had to prove a clear-cut, solid charge against a brother, or else be punished himself, he likely would keep his suspicions to himself until he could prove his point conclusively. That is precisely what God desires!
Yet someone retorts: “But if you wait to remove all doubt, it may be too late to prevent damage!” This mindset is not only an indefensible perspective, but also betrays an attitude of presumptuousness in questioning the wisdom of God’s own directives. Indeed, the human tendency is to spread one’s premature assessment of a situation and, when pressed to be more specific and to verify the assessment, to magnify, amplify, embellish, and “beef up” the charges so that they will sound more credible than they actually are.
In Deuteronomy 13:12-14, God made provision for the eradication of “liberalism” among the Israelites. But He enjoined a threefold prerequisite to such purging: “investigate and search out and inquire thoroughly” (NASB). How easy it is to pride oneself in the ability to sniff out supposed “error” and to color one’s perceptions to see what one is predisposed to see, and then to compound this sin of the heart by going public with one’s half-baked conjurings. What motivates a person who seems to want to find error? If he fails to “investigate and search out and inquire thoroughly,” the evidence suggests his motives are, at best, questionable, and at worst, impure.
In Joshua 22, the Israelites heard that the two-and-a-half trans-Jordanic tribal groups were apostatizing—going “liberal” (i.e., loosing where God had bound). The whole nation was so upset that they prepared to go to war. One cannot question their zeal for faithfulness to God. But, according to the Bible, enthusiasm for adherence to doctrinal purity must be tempered with a love for truth, justice, and fellowman—lest one’s zest for conformity cause one also to disobey. Fortunately, some within the western tribes had enough sense, discretion, and wisdom not to “jump the gun,” but first to send a delegation headed by Phinehas to investigate and ascertain the facts.
Some members of the church seem to have been born into the kingdom in an “attack mode.” Their propensity for running roughshod over others, under the pious guise of loyalty to Truth, is painfully evident in the host of congregations that have been rent asunder without genuine justification. They seem disinterested in acquiring all the facts or making certain they have not embraced a slanted, inaccurate perspective. Rather, they seem more interested in simply “striking while the iron is hot.” They are actually situation ethicists who believe “the end justifies the means,” as long as the “end” is purported to be doctrinal purity. They seem to think that as long as they are upholding Bible doctrines, they can be as brutal, unscrupulous, and careless as they choose. Do they believe their obvious lack of love for their neighbor is hidden from view? Are they honestly convinced that such behavior is excusable on the basis of their self-righteous love for straining gnats (Matthew 23:24)?
How ironic that those who think they are dedicated to righteousness and doctrinal purity are, in fact, conducting themselves in an unChristlike manner. Jesus wants every fact confirmed (Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1). Christians are not even to consider a charge made against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19). These passages are attempting to head off the very thing that occurs so frequently among Christians. The passages are not intended to shield the guilty. But they do demonstrate that it is extremely important to God that fellow Christians not be prematurely accused or condemned.
God wants every individual Christian to possess a genuine love for fellowman (Romans 12:9-21). If we had that kind of devotion for each other, we still would oppose error, still covet doctrinal purity, and still ardently defend the faith. But we would engage in all of these actions with a kind and gentle spirit, giving each other every benefit of the doubt, approaching each other out of an attitude of humility and lowliness, harboring no animosity or envy in our hearts. We would patiently hope, think, and believe the best about one another (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Such a mental posture would put an end to the “shoot first, ask questions later” temperament with which some seem to be obsessed. It would replace the panic and hysteria being generated in our perilous times with a sensible, rational, mature appraisal of each individual—in or out of the church—on his own merits. We would couple that appraisal with genuine attempts to assist him in coming to a correct understanding of God’s will—before we go public.
While Jesus was on Earth, His strongest denunciations and severest criticisms were leveled against those who were guilty of this accusing mentality. If anyone in the church today deserves to receive similar condemnation, it is those who manifest this attitude. On the other hand, it is easy to allow one’s heart to be infected with feelings of resentment, animosity, and contempt for such individuals. Satan is constantly on the alert to lure a person into a heart condition that places his soul in jeopardy. Therefore, each one must rise above and transcend the personalities, the pettiness, and the inflamed emotions that only serve to sidetrack one from the single-sighted commitment to God’s will for people. Neither emotional attachment nor detachment must be allowed to derail one from the course of clear thinking that God expects in light of His written revelation.
Joseph McCarthy’s erratic and truculent behavior eventually discredited him in the public eye and, in December, 1954, the Senate formally censured him for his unconscionable conduct. He lost interest in public affairs at this point, neglecting his Senate duties, and drinking heavily. His health suffered accordingly. He died on May 2, 1957, at the age of only forty-eight.
Are there “liberals” in the church? Absolutely. One need not rely on hearsay or what someone thought they overheard. Books, tapes, and articles that promote doctrinal laxity within our ranks are abundant. We must not allow the over-reaction of some to cause us to under-react to a very real problem. However, we must learn from God’s Book and from history. We must be “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). We must be certain that our own consciences are clear, unmotivated by pride, popularity, or pettiness (James 3:13-18; 4:1-12). We must not allow ourselves to be swept into the whirlpool of hysteria and thereby neutralize our ability to wage war with Satan intelligently and effectively. We must not be guilty of prematurely accusing our brothers, or lacking substance in verifying our viewpoint. The cause of Christ is not helped by such erratic, reckless displays of zeal. In fact, such tactics aid Satan’s assault on the church. They “cloud the water” and obscure the true issues, making Satan’s ploys more difficult to identify and address.
In order to prepare ourselves for the conflicts that face the church in our generation, we need a healthy dose of Peter’s inspired instruction: “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22).

REFERENCES

Allswang, John M. (1987), “Joseph R. McCarthy,” Great Lives from History, ed. Frank N. Magill (Pasadena, CA: Salem Press), 3:1432-1436.
McLellen, David (1987), “McCarthy, Joseph Raymond,” Encyclopedia Americana (Danbury, CT: Grolier Inc.), 18:557.
Bartlett, Charles (1989), “McCarthy, Joseph Raymond,” The World Book Encyclopedia (Chicago, IL: World Book, Inc.), 13:331.
Griffith, Robert (1987), The Politics of Fear: Joseph R. McCarthy and the Senate (Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press).
Oshinsky, David M. (1983), A Conspiracy So Immense: The World of Joe McCarthy (New York: Free Press).
Rovere, Richard H. (1996 reprint), Senator Joe McCarthy (Berkeley: Univ. of Calif. Press).
Thomas, Lately (1973), When Even Angels Wept (New York: William Morrow).

From Mark Copeland... Hosea - God's Redeeming Love (11:1-14:9)

                    "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS"

                Hosea - God's Redeeming Love (11:1-14:9)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our survey of the book of Hosea we have proposed the theme as
   "God's Redeeming Love"; this may have seemed strange...
   a. As we considered "God's Indictment of Israel" in chapters 4-7
   b. As we considered "God's Punishment for Israel" in chapters 8-10

2. But as we saw in the first three chapters, Hosea's experience with
   Gomer serves as an analogy of God's experience with Israel...
   a. Following the adultery there was a period of separation
   b. Following the separation there was the ultimate restoration
   -- Therefore Israel would be restored, but only after a period of
      separation

3. Here is another way to summarize chapters 4-14...
   a. God is holy (which is why He must indict Israel for her sins) 
      - Hos 4-7
   b. God is just (which is why Israel must be punished for her sins)
      - Hos 8-10
   c. God is love (which is why He will restore Israel) - Hos 11-14
   -- So having declared the holiness and justice of God, Hosea now 
      proclaims His great love for Israel

[In this lesson we shall complete our study of Hosea by first looking
at...]

I. GOD'S PROMISE OF A FUTURE RESTORATION (11:1-14:9)

   A. GOD'S LOVE DESPITE ISRAEL'S REBELLION (11:1-11)
      1. God brought Israel out of Egypt, yet they worshipped the Baals
         - Hos 11:1-2
      2. God nurtured Israel though they knew it not - Hos 11:3-4
      3. God will send them to Assyria because of their backsliding 
         - Hos 11:5-7
      4. Yet God will return them to their homes - Hos 11:8-11

   B. ISRAEL'S REBELLION AND GOD'S CHASTISEMENT (11:12-13:16)
      1. Ephraim (Israel) is full of sin, and while Judah still walks
         with God to a degree, God has a complaint against Judah as 
         well - Hos 11:12-12:6
      2. Ephraim is cunning and boastful, and so God will bring his 
         reproach upon him - Hos 12:7-14
      3. Ephraim and Samaria (both representative of Israel), shall be
         held guilty and punished accordingly - Hos 13:1-16

   C. ISRAEL'S FUTURE RESTORATION (14:1-9)
      1. A call to return to the Lord, for Assyria will not save - Hos 14:1-3
      2. God promises to heal their backsliding and return them to the
         land - Hos 14:4-7
      3. Ephraim (Israel) will finally be cured of her idolatry - Hos 14:8
      4. A concluding call to wisely consider these things - Hos 14:9

[God fulfilled His promise to restore Israel (and Judah) starting with
the decree of Cyrus and under the leadership of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and 
Nehemiah (cf. the books of Ezra and Nehemiah). As indicated in Hos 
14:8, Israel was once for all cured of her idolatry. Her faith in God
may have weakened later on, but idolatry never had the appeal it once 
had.

In the spirit of Hos 14:9, which calls upon us to understand and know
what is revealed in this book, here are some...]

II. CONCLUDING LESSONS TO BE DRAWN FROM HOSEA

   A. GOD IS A GOD OF LOVE...
      1. He loves His people
         a. Like a man loves his wife (cf. Hosea and Gomer)
         b. Like a father loves his child - Hos 11:1
      2. Because He loves His people...
         a. He blesses them abundantly
         b. He nurtures them patiently - Hos 11:3-4

   B. GOD IS A GOD OF HOLINESS...
      1. He expects His people to know His will - Hos 4:1-2,6; 8:12
      2. He expects His people to avoid harmful influences - Hos 7:8-9
      3. He expects His people to sow righteousness, not wickedness 
         - Hos 10:12-13

   C. GOD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE...
      1. He cannot let sin go unpunished - Hos 9:9
      2. Those who remain in sin He will devour - Hos 13:7-8

   D. GOD IS A GOD OF MERCY...
      1. He call upon His people to repent - Hos 14:1
      2. He will gladly heal those who do so - Hos 14:4

CONCLUSION

1. Hosea presents a picture of God who is certainly desirous of
   redeeming those He loves
   a. Sadly, not many took Hosea's message seriously
   b. I.e., only a remnant of Israel returned after the restoration
 
2. Today, God's redeeming love is offered through His Son Jesus Christ
   - cf. Ep 1:3-7
   a. Sadly, not many take the gospel message seriously either
   b. Even as Jesus warned - cf. Mt 7:13-14; 21-23

What many need to heed is the call of Hosea at the end of his book...

   Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is prudent? 
   Let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right; The 
   righteous walk in them, But transgressors stumble in them.
                                        (Hos 14:9)

Are we growing in our knowledge and walking in the ways of the LORD?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Hosea - God's Redeeming Love (8:1-10:15)

                    "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS"

                Hosea - God's Redeeming Love (8:1-10:15)

INTRODUCTION

1. Thus far in our survey of the book of Hosea, we have seen...
   a. The analogy of Hosea and Gomer, illustrating God's experience 
      with Israel
      1) Israel's rejection symbolized, in the names of Hosea and 
         Gomer's children - Hos 1:2-9
      2) Israel's restoration foretold - Hos 1:10-2:1
      3) Israel's unfaithfulness described, depicted as a wife guilty 
         of harlotry - Hos 2:2-13
      4) Israel's restoration described, finally cured of her idolatry 
         - Hos 2:14-23
      5) Israel's restoration symbolized, depicted as a harlot taken 
         back to be a wife - Hos 3:1-5
   b. God's indictment of Israel
      1) The charges brought against Israel - Hos 4:1-5:15
      2) Israel's appeal rejected - Hos 6:1-7:16
   -- The theme proposed for this book has been "God's Redeeming Love"

2. The love God has for Israel does not preclude the need for 
   punishment if she is to be truly redeemed...
   a. As mentioned in Hos 2:13
   b. This punishment will be seen in the form of the Assyrian 
      invasion, as foretold in the section now before us

[In this lesson, we shall continue our survey of Hosea by noticing 
God's warning of punishment that is to befall Israel, chapters 8-10...]

I. GOD'S PUNISHMENT FOR ISRAEL (8:1-10:15)

   A. WARNING OF APPROACHING JUDGMENT (8:1-14)
      1. Judgment is coming because they transgressed the covenant 
         - Hos 8:1-6
      2. They have sown the wind, through their alliances with Assyria,
         and shall reap the whirlwind - Hos 8:7-10
      3. The altars of their religion has made them sin, their 
         punishment will be a "return to Egypt" (Egypt as a symbol of 
         captivity)  - Hos 8:11-13
      4. Israel has forgotten his Maker, and even Judah places more 
         trust in fortified cities; but judgment will come upon them 
         both - Hos 8:14

   B. ASSYRIAN CAPTIVITY FORETOLD (9:1-17)
      1. Because Israel has played the harlot - Hos 9:1-2
      2. Ephraim (Israel) shall "return to Egypt" - Hos 9:3-9
         a. Egypt used as a type for captivity, but then Assyria is 
            mentioned by name
         b. They will be unable to celebrate the feasts
         c. They will be punished for their sins
      3. The fleeting glory of Israel - Hos 9:10-17
         a. Though considered the firstfruits, they soon gave 
            themselves over to idolatry
         b. Thus their glory will fly away, and they will be like one 
            childless
         c. For their wickedness, God will cast them away

   C. ISRAEL'S SIN AND CAPTIVITY REITERATED (10:1-15)
      1. Her guilt and coming captivity - Hos 10:1-8
      2. Her sin and coming punishment - Hos 10:9-15

[With such ample warnings through prophets like Hosea, God let Israel
know what was to befall her. Yet the prophet's message did not end
there. A message of hope concerning restoration was also proclaimed, 
which we will shall consider in our next lesson. For a few remaining 
moments, let's review...]

II. SOME KEY PASSAGES IN THIS SECTION

   A. "I HAVE WRITTEN FOR HIM THE GREAT THINGS OF MY LAW, BUT THEY WERE
      CONSIDERED A STRANGE THING"
      1. Notice Hos 8:12
      2. This is a sad commentary on the condition of Israel
         a. God had done a wondrous thing by giving them His Word - cf.
            Ps 19:7-11
         b. Yet they had become so perverted that God's word seemed
            strange to them!
      3. Is this not true today as well?
         a. We have been richly blessed with the full revelation of 
            God's will through His Son Jesus Christ
         b. Yet many people (even some in the church)...
            1) ...are so unaware of what the Bible says
            2) ...are so caught up in the thinking of the world
            ...that the principles and truths of God's word are 
               "considered a strange thing"!
      -- Is God's word considered a strange thing to you?

   B. "SOW FOR YOURSELVES RIGHTEOUSNESS, REAP IN MERCY"
      1. Consider Hos 10:12
      2. While we cannot earn our salvation by good works, works of 
         righteousness can result in experiencing God's grace and mercy
         a. A case in point is the conversion of Cornelius - Ac 10:1-6
         b. His fear of God, prayers, and alms did not save him, but 
            God did take notice
         c. By striving to serve and please God, he came to know the 
            way of mercy and salvation
      -- Thus we should be diligent in our service, not to earn 
         salvation, but to receive God's gracious mercy - e.g., 
         Onesiphorus - 2Ti 1:16-18

   C. "YOU HAVE PLOWED WICKEDNESS, YOU HAVE REAPED INIQUITY"
      1. Read Hos 10:13
      2. Iniquity (injustice, NASB) is the natural consequence of 
         wickedness
         a. When people turn their ears away from hearing the Word of 
            God, they will be wicked
         b. And the consequence is great injustice and lawlessness
      -- Sadly, I believe we can see why our society is reaping so much
         injustice and lawlessness today (because of the wickedness 
         that is sown)
         
CONCLUSION

1. The messages of Hosea, though first spoken to a people of an earlier
   time, speak to us also...
   a. History tends to repeat itself; we need to learn from the 
      mistakes of others
   b. The people of God are not immune from apostasy, wickedness and 
      rebellion

2. As Paul wrote to the church of Corinth, after reviewing parts of 
   Israel's history...

   "Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should
   not lust after evil things as they also lusted." (1Co 10:6)

3. God's "intent" in preserving the Old Testament was that we might 
   benefit from Israel's mistakes
   a. The works of prophets like Hosea can certainly help
   b. Will his words be well known to us, or will they too be 
      "considered a strange thing"?

I pray this study will help his words become more familiar to us...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Hosea - God's Redeeming Love (4:1-7:16)

                    "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS"

                Hosea - God's Redeeming Love (4:1-7:16)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous lesson we began our survey of the book of Hosea...
   a. Noting that Hosea was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel
   b. Whose work began as Amos' was ending, and prophesied from 750-725
      B.C.

2. The key to understanding the book is the analogy illustrated in the
   first three chapters...
   a. In which Hosea and his wife Gomer illustrates God's experience 
      with Israel
   b. Which served as an object lesson to express "God's Redeeming
      Love" for His people

3. We therefore saw in the first three chapters...
   a. Israel's rejection symbolized, in the names of Hosea and Gomer's
      children - Hos 1:2-9
   b. Israel's restoration foretold - Hos 1:10-2:1
   c. Israel's unfaithfulness described, depicted as a wife guilty of
      harlotry - Hos 2:2-13
   d. Israel's restoration described, cured of her idolatry - Hos 2:
      14-23
   e. Israel's restoration symbolized, depicted as a harlot taken back
      to be a wife - Hos 3:1-5

4. The rest of the book contains the messages of Hosea, proclaimed with
   this analogy in the background; there is...
   a. God's indictment of Israel and her sins - Hos 4:1-7:16
   b. God's warning of punishment that is to befall her - Hos 8:1-10:15
   c. God's promise of a future restoration - Hos 11:1-14:9

[In this lesson, we shall continue our survey of Hosea by noticing 
God's indictment of Israel for her sins, chapters 4-7...]

I. GOD'S INDICTMENT OF ISRAEL (4:1-7:16)

   A. THE CHARGE AGAINST ISRAEL (4:1-5:15)
      1. Against the nation as a whole - Hos 4:1-3
         a. For no truth, mercy, or knowledge of God is in the land
         b. All forms of wickedness are rampant
      2. Against the priests in particular - Hos 4:4-14
         a. It does no good to contend with the people, for people do
            not respect their priests
         b. The priests themselves have rejected knowledge, which is to
            their destruction
         c. The priests feed off the sins of the people, increasing
            their own spiritual adultery
      3. A word of warning to Judah in the south - Hos 4:15-19
         a. Judah, don't be like Israel!
         b. Judah, leave Ephraim (Israel) to her idols!
      4. Against the priests, rulers, and people - Hos 5:1-7
         a. They have been a snare, not a help
         b. Their idolatry has led Israel to stumble, even Judah as
            well
         d. God has withdrawn Himself from them
      5. The impending sentence - Hos 5:8-15
         a. Ephraim (Israel) shall be laid waste, and Judah shall not 
            escape either
         b. Like a lion, God will come upon them and tear them away
         c. This God will do until they confess their sin and 
            diligently seek Him

   B. THEIR APPEAL REJECTED (6:1-7:16)
      1. The call to repentance - Hos 6:1-3
         a. Some believe these three verses are Hosea's desperate plea
            to Israel to repent
         b. Others think that these are the words of Israel, but was 
            not sincere
         -- In either case, verse four reveals the shallowness of 
            Israel's faithfulness
      2. Rejected because of Israel's true condition - Hos 6:4-7:16
         a. Faithfulness was only temporary, like the morning cloud or
            early dew
         b. They offered sacrifices, but did not show mercy or truly
            know God
         c. They transgressed the covenant, and became defiled, even
            influencing Judah
         d. When God would have healed them, their iniquity was even 
            worse
         e. Idolatry, alliances with pagan nations, rejection of God's
            efforts to discipline them...all these things were the 
            charges brought against Israel!

[Like a Judge in court God has brought His charges against unfaithful
Israel.  Like an unfaithful spouse who committed adultery, so Israel 
has done to God!  Our next study will consider God's warning of the 
punishment to befall Israel, but before we finish this lesson let's 
review..]

II. SOME KEY PASSAGES IN THIS SECTION

   A. "MY PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE"
      1. Notice Hos 4:1,6
      2. This verse, like many others in the Bible, emphasizes the 
         importance of knowing the Word of God - cf. Jm 1:21
      -- How is your knowledge of God's Word?

   B. "EPHRAIM IS JOINED TO IDOLS, LET HIM ALONE"
      1. Consider Hos 4:17
      2. The context is that of warning Judah to stay away from Israel
      3. There often comes a time when efforts to restore the erring
         are futile; rather than risk being influenced adversely, 
         withdrawal of association is necessary - cf. 1Co 5:11-13

   C. "YOUR FAITHFULNESS IS LIKE A MORNING CLOUD..."
      1. Read Hos 6:4
      2. Many people are quick to profess repentance, but do remain 
         true to the Lord; how faithful to the Lord are we?

   D. "FOR I DESIRE MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE..."
      1. This passage (Hos 6:6) was often quoted by Jesus - Mt 9:13;
         12:7
      2. It reflects what was said in the Proverbs - Pr 21:3
      3. Micah taught the same principle - Mic 6:6-8
      4. It is not that God did not call for sacrifice, but all the
         worship in the world will not cover a lack of mercy and true 
         knowledge of God! - cf. Hos 4:6, also Jer 9:23-24

   E. "THEY DO NOT CONSIDER IN THEIR HEARTS THAT I REMEMBER..."
      1. Look at Hos 7:2
      2. How sad that people sin, as though there is no God who takes 
         notice of what they are doing
      3. But a time is coming when all that has been done will be 
         brought to light! - cf. Eccl 12:14; Ro 2:16; Rev 20:12
      -- Our only hope is to have our sins forgiven by the blood of 
         Jesus!

   F. "EPHRAIM HAS MIXED HIMSELF AMONG THE PEOPLES"
      1. Cf. Hos 7:8
      2. Through unsavory associations, Israel had been corrupted
      3. Such is the danger of the wrong companions - cf. 1Co 15:33
      4. Thus we need to heed warnings such as those found in 2Co 6:
         14-18

CONCLUSION

1. Truly the words of prophets like Hosea were "written for our
   admonition" - 1Co 10:11
   a. Like Israel, we have been richly blessed - Ep 1:3
   b. Like Israel, we are expected to remain faithful - Re 2:10

2. The question is, will we "fall after the same example of
   disobedience"? - cf. He 4:11
   a. Will we fall for lack of knowledge?
   b. Will we fall because our faithfulness is like a morning cloud or
      early dew?
   c. Will we fall because we forget the importance of mercy in our 
      service to God?
   d. Will we fall because we do not consider that God remembers what
      we do?
   e. Will we fall because rather than be the "salt of the earth", we
      become so "mixed" by those in the world we lose our flavor? (cf.
      Mt 5:14)

Through a careful and serious study of the prophets, we are more likely
to avoid making the same mistakes as Israel, and to heed the words of
the apostle Paul:

   "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."
                                                (1Co 10:12)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Hosea - God's Redeeming Love (1:1-3:5)

                    "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS"

                 Hosea - God's Redeeming Love (1:1-3:5)

INTRODUCTION

1. About the time that Amos (the "country prophet") was prophesying to
   the northern kingdom of Israel, another prophet came on to the scene
   a. His name was Hosea
   b. Whose name means "salvation" (Joshua and Jesus are derived from
      the same word)

2. While the audience was the same, there were some differences...
   a. Amos was from Judah (Tekoa); Hosea appears to have been from
      Israel
   b. While Amos showed little patience with his northern relatives,
      Hosea displayed a large degree of sympathetic understanding
      toward his own people
   c. Just as Amos is reminiscent of John the Baptist in his approach,
      so Hosea is reminiscent of how Jesus approached people

[In this lesson, the first of several on Hosea, we will see why Hosea
was so sympathetic, even as he condemned his own people for their sins.
Let's start with some...]

I. BACKGROUND MATERIAL

   A. THE MAN...
      1. His father was named Beeri (Hos 1:1), but nothing more is 
         known of his ancestors
      2. Some think he may have been a priest, in view of his high 
         regard for the duties and responsibilities of the priesthood
      3. We read of his wife (Gomer, Hos 1:3) and his children...
         a. Jezreel, a son - Hos 1:4
         b. Lo-Ruhamah, a daughter - Hos 1:6
         c. Lo-Ammi, another son - Hos 1:8-9
         -- Through his family, the basic message of Hosea will be 
            illustrated (see below)

   B. THE DATE...
      1. Hosea prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, 
         and Hezekiah, kings of Judah; Jeroboam II also reigned during
         this time in Israel - Hos 1:1
      2. Most place the time of his work at 750-725 B.C.
      3. Hosea was possibly a young man when Amos was almost through
         with his ministry
      4. His work in relation to other prophets during this period of
         time:
         a. Amos and Hosea prophesied to Israel
         b. Isaiah and Micah were prophesying in Judah

   C. BACKGROUND OF THE TIMES...
      1. For a good background of this period of Bible history, cf. 
         2Ki 14-17; 2Ch 26-29
      2. The northern kingdom of Israel was on its last legs...
         a. Sin was even more rampant than seen in the book of Amos
         b. Religious, moral, and political corruption was rampant
      3. One word sums the condition of the nation of Israel:  harlotry
         (whoredom, KJV), used thirteen times throughout the book

   D. KEY TO UNDERSTANDING THE BOOK...
      1. An analogy is made between Hosea's experience with Gomer, and
         the Lord's experience with Israel
      2. This analogy is described in chs. 1-3, and serves as the 
         backdrop to chs. 4-14

[With this brief introduction to the book of Hosea, let's now survey
the first three chapters...]

II. HOSEA'S FAMILY, AND THE ANALOGY WITH ISRAEL (1:1-3:5)

   A. ISRAEL'S REJECTION SYMBOLIZED... (1:2-9)
      1. Hosea commanded to marry "a wife of harlotry" - Hos 1:2-3
         a. Her name was Gomer
         b. If the parallel between Gomer and Israel is exact, then she
            was not a harlot at the time of the marriage; but her 
            background would prompt her to become one
         c. She certainly would come to symbolize what Israel had 
            become
      2. Gomer bears three children - Hos 1:4-9
         a. The first son is named "Jezreel"
            1) Which means "God scatters", or "God sows"
            2) His name prefigured God's judgment on the ruling house 
               of Israel - Hos 1:4-5
         b. The daughter is named "Lo-Ruhamah"
            1) Which means "no mercy"
            2) Her name describes God's attitude toward Israel, though
               Judah still found grace in God's sight - Hos 1:6-7
            3) Some suggest that the daughter (and the son to follow)
               were not Hosea's
               a) Note it does not say she bore "him" (Hosea) a 
                  daughter, as before
               b) I.e., Gomer had become a harlot - cf. Hos 2:4
         c. The second son is named "Lo-Ammi"
            1) His name means "not my people"
            2) Thus God declares his rejection of Israel - Hos 1:8-9

   B. ISRAEL'S RESTORATION FORETOLD... (1:10-2:1)
      1. Though cast off, God promises a restoration
      2. There might be a reference to the restoration from Assyrian 
         and Babylonian captivity
      3. However, both Paul and Peter apply this promise to believing
         Jews and Gentile in the church - Ro 9:25-26; 1Pe 2:10

   C. ISRAEL'S UNFAITHFULNESS... (2:2-13)
      1. Condemnation for her sinful conduct - Hos 2:2-5
         a. Charges of harlotry and adultery
         b. No mercy on her children, as the children of harlotry
         -- God's rage for Israel's unfaithfulness described in terms
            of an enraged husband who learns not only of his wife's 
            adultery, but that the children are not his
      2. Punishment for her sinful conduct - Hos 2:6-13
         a. God will prevent Israel from finding her lovers
         b. God will take away the blessings and the feasts that Israel
            enjoyed
         c. God will destroy what Israel has used to commit spiritual 
            harlotry
         -- Israel's sin was foremost her idolatry (cf. references to
            "Baal"); God viewed such idolatry as a form of "harlotry"!

   D. ISRAEL'S RESTORATION DESCRIBED... (2:14-23)
      1. Using a "wilderness", God will win her back, just as He did in
         the days of Moses and Joshua - Hos 2:14-15
      2. God will cure her of using the language of Baal worship 
         - Hos 2:16-17
      3. God will establish a covenant of peace and safety, and betroth
         Israel to Him once again - Hos 2:18-20
      4. God will once again bless them, and be merciful to them as His
         people - Hos 2:21-23
      -- While there may be references to the restoration from 
         captivity, it also foreshadows the age of the Messiah and His
         spiritual blessings - cf. Ro 9:25-26; 1Pe 2:10

   E. ISRAEL'S RESTORATION SYMBOLIZED... (3:1-5)
      1. Hosea is charged to love an adulterous woman - Hos 3:1-3
         a. Most take this to be Gomer, who had gone into harlotry
         b. Hosea takes her back, though with a period of probation
      2. Symbolizing God's willingness to take Israel back - Hos 3:4-5
         a. Also with a probationary period, in which there be no king,
            sacrifices, etc.
         b. But Israel would return, and seek the Lord and David their
            king (the Messiah?)

CONCLUSION

1. In these first three chapters, it appears God used Hosea to teach 
   Israel an object lesson...
   a. Through Hosea's experience with Gomer, God provided Israel a 
      concrete illustration of what His relationship with Israel had 
      been like
   b. Israel had played the harlot; but God would take her back, 
      following a period of punishment and probation
   -- Keeping this analogy in mind will assist our understanding of the
      remaining chapters

2. A lesson to be learned from this analogy is how God views apostasy:
   spiritual harlotry!
   a. Christians, we are "betrothed to Christ - cf. 2Co 11:2
   b. But we too can become spiritual harlots" if we are not careful! 
      - 2Co 11:3

Are we being true to our betrothal?  May the words of the Lord in Hosea
encourage us to remain ever faithful:

   "I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me
   in righteousness and justice, in lovingkindness and mercy; I will
   betroth you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the LORD."
                                         
                                             (Hosea 2:19-20)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Amos - The Country Prophet (7:1-9:15)

                    "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS"

                 Amos - The Country Prophet (7:1-9:15)

INTRODUCTION

1. In the first two studies on the book of Amos, we briefly surveyed...
   a. The "Oracles" of Amos, concerning sin and judgment of eight
      nations (ch. 1-2)
   b. The "Sermons" of Amos, concerning the sin and judgment of Israel
      (ch. 3-6)

2. In this third and final lesson on Amos, we will...
   a. Focus our attention on the last three chapters which contain...
      1) Five "Visions" of Amos
      2) An "interlude" in which Amos defends his prophetic role
      3) A closing glimpse of a brighter future
   b. Offer a summary of lessons gleaned from the book of Amos

[Let's begin, then by noting...]

I. THE "VISIONS" OF AMOS (7:1-9:15)

   A. THE VISION OF THE LOCUSTS (7:1-3)
      1. The vision and the Lord's response to Amos' prayer...
         a. The Lord shows Amos a swarm of locusts devastating the 
            crops
         b. Amos cries out in behalf of Jacob (Israel)
         c. The Lord hears, and relents so that the locust plague will
            not happen
      2. The meaning of the vision...
         a. Some take the locust plague to be a figurative symbol of an
            invading army
         b. Whether literal or figurative, the judgment it represented
            is averted by the pleading of the prophet
         c. It is reminiscent of what we saw in Joel, how the nation's
            repentance averted the reoccurrence of the "locust 
            invasion" - cf. Joel 2:1-24

   B. THE VISION OF THE FIRE (7:4-6)
      1. The vision and the Lord's response to Amos' prayer...
         a. The Lord shows Amos a fire consuming the "great deep" and 
            the territory
         b. Once again Amos cries out in behalf of Jacob (Israel)
         c. The Lord again hears, and relents from bringing the 
            conflagration upon Israel
      2. The meaning of the vision...
         a. Clearly figurative, for the "great deep" is likely the 
            Mediterranean Sea
         b. Whatever judgment it represents is also averted by the 
            prayer of Amos
         c. These first two visions appear to illustrate God's 
            longsuffering due to the prayers of the righteous

   C. THE VISION OF THE PLUMB LINE (7:7-9)
      1. The vision and the Lord's explanation...
         a. The Lord is standing on a wall with a plumb line in hand
         b. The Lord explains He is setting a plumb line in the midst
            of Israel, and will now bring destruction upon:
            1) The places of idolatrous worship ("high places" and
               "sanctuaries")
            2) The house of Jeroboam (the ruling king of Israel, cf. 
               Am 1:1)
      2. The meaning of the vision...
         a. A plumb line is used to measure the correctness of any 
            construction
         b. God has so measured Israel, and found her so defective that
            He cannot overlook her anymore
         c. The judgment will involve destruction of her religious and
            political leaders

   D. AN INTERLUDE:  AMAZIAH'S COMPLAINT AGAINST AMOS (7:10-17)
      1. Amaziah, priest of Bethel (center of idolatrous worship), 
         accuses Amos of conspiracy against Jeroboam king of Israel 
         - Am 7:10-11
      2. Amaziah tells Amos to leave Bethel and go back to his own 
         country of Judah - Am 7:12-13
      3. Amos defends his prophetic mission - Am 7:14-15
      4. Amos then prophesies against Amaziah and Israel - Am 7:16-17

   E. THE VISION OF THE SUMMER FRUIT (8:1-14)
      1. The vision and the Lord's explanation - Am 8:1-3
         a. Amos is shown a basket of summer fruit (evidently quite
            ripened)
         b. The Lord reveals that Israel's end is near, and is ripe for
            judgment
      2. Once again, the nature of Israel's sin is described - Am 8:4-6
         a. Oppression of the poor and needy - cf. Am 2:6-7
         b. Disdain for religious observances, because they hinder 
            economic enterprise
         c. Dishonest economic practices, to further abuse the poor and
            needy
      3. The nature of Israel's judgment is described - Am 8:7-14
         a. A day of mourning is coming - Am 8:7-10
         b. A day of famine for the word of God is coming - Am 8:11-12
         c. Those who trust in idolatry will fall and never rise again
            - Am 8:13-14

   F. THE VISION OF THE LORD BY THE ALTAR (9:1-10)
      1. Is this the altar of Jerusalem, or Bethel? (I suspect the 
         latter)
      2. The altar shall be destroyed, and none shall escape - Am 9:1-4
      3. The One who shall accomplish this is described - Am 9:5-6
      4. Israel has become little different than the heathen nations 
         - Am 9:7
      5. The careful, discriminate, nature of the Lord's judgment 
         - Am 9:8-10
         a. The "kingdom" will be utterly destroyed
         b. But the "house of Jacob" will not
         c. What little is good will be spared, as grain sifted in a 
            sieve
         d. But the sinners shall not escape, despite their claims to 
            the contrary

   G. A GLIMPSE OF A BRIGHTER FUTURE - Am 9:11-15
      1. The restoration of the tabernacle of David is foretold, in 
         which even the remnant of Edom and Gentiles who are called by
         His name are possessed - Am 9:11-12
      2. The restoration described in terms of agricultural abundance 
         - Am 9:13-15
      3. James applied the fulfillment of this prophecy to the church
         and the inclusion of the Gentiles by the gospel - cf. Ac 15:
         13-17
      4. So the prophecy is figurative...
         a. Given in terms especially comforting to those of Amos' day
         b. Yet actually referring to spiritual blessings found in
            Christ today!

[Visions in the Bible often are designed to impact more the heart of
man rather than his mind.  So it is with these visions of Amos:  
depicting God's longsuffering, His judgment upon the nation of Israel,
and His promise of future blessings for Israel and the nations (the 
last fulfilled with the coming of Christ).

Before we close, let's review...]

II. A SUMMARY OF LESSONS GLEANED FROM AMOS

   A. CONCERNING GOD...
      1. He rules over the nations, and holds them accountable - Am 1,2
      2. His omnipotence may be seen in:
         a. His acts of creation - Am 4:3; 5:8
         b. His control over the forces of nature - Am 4:6-11
         c. His supremacy over the nations - Am 1,2
      3. His omnipresence is plainly taught (Am 9:2-4), also His 
         omniscience (Am 4:13)
      4. The righteousness of God is constantly emphasized by Amos 
         - e.g., Am 5:24

   B. CONCERNING ISRAEL...
      1. They were the people of God, having a special relationship 
         with God - Am 3:1-2
      2. They should have reflected the glory of God - cf. Am 5:14-15,
         24
      3. They failed, and so judgment would follow; but a remnant would
         be spared that would later bless the Gentiles - Am 9:11-12

   C. MISCELLANEOUS LESSONS...
      1. Justice between man and man is one of the divine foundations
         of society
      2. Privilege implies responsibility
         a. Israel had enjoyed special privileges
         b. Therefore she had been give special responsibilities
      3. Failure to recognize and accept responsibility is sure to 
         bring God's judgment
      4. The most elaborate worship is but an insult to God when 
         offered by those who have no mind to conform to His commands
      -- These lessons were offered by Homer Hailey in his book, "A 
         Commentary On The Minor Prophets" (Baker Book House)

CONCLUSION

1. Many other lessons can likely be gleaned from a book like Amos; the
   "Disciples' Study Bible" offers these:
   a. Merely observing proper forms of worship is not sufficient for a
      right relation with God (pure religion takes into consideration
      one's treatment of the poor and needy - cf. Jm 1:27)
   b. Being a part of God's people does not guarantee exemption from 
      judgment (Israel and Judah certainly weren't exempt)
   c. Not all judgment seeks to penalize and hurt (many were designed
      to restore man back to God, Am 4:6-11)

2. Can we not see the value of studying the Old Testament prophets?
   a. They are truly "written for our admonition" - 1Co 10:11
   b. They are truly "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
      correction, for instruction in righteousness," - 2Ti 3:16

In Am 8:11-12, we read of a famine for the Word of the Lord that 
would befall Israel, which occurred when they were taken into Assyrian
captivity.  Let's be sure that we do not experience a self-imposed
famine of the Word by neglecting to study and glean from such prophets
like Amos!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Amos - The Country Prophet (3:1-6:14)

                    "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS"

                 Amos - The Country Prophet (3:1-6:14)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous study we began our survey of the book of Amos
   a. A prophet of God, who was...
      1) A country shepherd and gatherer of sycamore fruit - Am 7:14-15
      2) Called to proclaim God's judgments on the nations, especially
         Israel
   b. Whose book is divided into three sections, in which we find...
      1) "Oracles" concerning sin and judgment of eight nations (ch.
         1-2)
      2) "Sermons" concerning the sin and judgment of Israel (ch. 3-6)
      3) "Visions" regarding the sin and judgment of Israel (ch. 7-9)
   c. In his "oracles", we saw that God pronounced judgment upon...
      1) Heathen nations, such as Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, 
         and Moab
      2) The people of God, both Judah and Israel
      -- With emphasis placed upon the sins and judgment of the 
         northern kingdom of Israel

2. In this lesson, we shall direct our attention to the "sermons" in
   chapters 3-6
   a. There are three sermons, each beginning with "Hear this word..."
      - 3:1; 4:1; 5:1
   b. The focus of these sermons is Israel, the kingdom in the north

[From an outline by Ryrie, the first "sermon" could be entitled...]

I. THE DOOM OF ISRAEL (3:1-15)

   A. AMOS DEFENDS HIS RIGHT TO PROPHESY...
      1. The Lord has spoken against Israel - Am 3:1-2
         a. With whom He has had a special relationship
         b. Whom He now will punish for their sins
      2. Seven questions with obvious answers - Am 3:3-6
         a. The purpose and meaning of these questions have been 
            variously interpreted
         b. But their intent appears to enforce the logic of what 
            follows in the next two verses
      3. Can a prophet remain silent when God speaks? - Am 3:7-8
         a. The Lord does nothing unless He reveals it by one of His 
            prophets
         b. Like a lion that has roared (cf. Am 1:2), God has spoken 
            and Amos must prophesy!

   B. ISRAEL'S DOOM...
      1. Ashdod and Egypt are called to witness Israel's wickedness 
         - Am 3:9-10
      2. Israel will be plundered by an adversary - Am 3:11-15
         a. Though never identified by Amos, Isaiah declared that it 
            would be Assyria
         b. Concerning Israel's coming punishment:
            1) Only a remnant will survive of those who dwell in 
               luxury, like a piece of lamb left over after being 
               ravaged by a lion
            2) Destruction will come upon the altars of Bethel (cf. 
               Jeroboam's idolatry)
            3) Destruction will befall their luxurious homes

[With this first "sermon", destruction is pronounced upon Israel.  The
sin of some of the men was mentioned earlier (Am 2:6-8), with the next
"sermon" we see the wickedness of the women...]

II. THE DEPRAVITY OF THE WOMEN OF ISRAEL (4:1-13)

   A. THE "COWS OF BASHAN", THEY ARE INSATIABLE...
      1. Living in Samaria (Israel) they were:
         a. Oppressing the poor and needy - Am 4:1
         b. Crying out for wine - Am 4:2
      2. For which they will suffer painful deportation to a foreign 
         land - Am 4:3

   B. A SARCASTIC CALL TO WORSHIP...
      1. To worship their false gods at Bethel and Gilgal - Am 4:4-5
      2. Designed to show how far they have departed from God

   C. THEY HAD REJECTED GOD'S CHATISEMENTS...
      1. They had failed to respond to God's efforts to get them to 
         repent
         a. Famine - Am 4:6
         b. Drought - Am 4:7-8
         c. Pestilence - Am 4:9
         d. Plague and war - Am 4:10
         e. Earthquake, or perhaps volcanic eruptions - Am 4:11
      2. Therefore they must prepare to meet their God!
         a. Who is bringing such judgments upon them - Am 4:12
         b. Whose name is "The LORD God of hosts" - Am 4:13

[In light of such a judgment to befall Israel, it is not surprising to
see that the third "sermon" is in the form of a lamentation...]

III. A DIRGE OVER ISRAEL (5:1-6:14)

   A. A LAMENTATION FOR THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL...
      1. In view of her coming fall - Am 5:1-2
      2. In which only a remnant will be left - Am 5:3

   B. A CALL TO REPENTANCE, FOR THERE IS STILL HOPE...
      1. Seek the Lord and live, lest He come with fiery judgment! 
         - Am 5:4-7
      2. Seek Him who is all powerful! - Am 5:8-9
      3. For He knows your manifold sins! - Am 5:10-13
      4. Seek that which is good, not evil; perhaps God will gracious!
         - Am 5:14-15

   C. THE COMING DAY OF THE LORD...
      1. The Lord is coming, and there shall be wailing in the streets
         and fields - Am 5:16-17
      2. The day of the Lord is not to be desired by sinful men
         a. For it will be a day of darkness - Am 5:18-20
         b. For God is repelled by their show of religion, when there 
            should be righteousness and justice - Am 5:21-24
         c. For they have never really served God, even in the 
            wilderness - Am 5:25-26
      3. Therefore they will be taken "beyond Damascus" (Assyria!)
         - Am 5:25-27

   D. A WARNING EVEN TO THOSE IN ZION...
      1. Woe to those who are at ease, trusting in Samaria (i.e., the 
         northern kingdom of Israel) - Am 6:1-2
         a. Perhaps to defend them?
         b. Consider what happened to kingdoms far greater!
      2. Woe to those who say the day of the Lord is far off - Am 6:3-6
         a. Who bask in their luxury
         b. While their brethren are afflicted
      3. They shall be among the first to go into captivity - Am 6:7

   E. THE EXTENT OF THE COMING DESTRUCTION...
      1. Coming because God hates their pride - Am 6:8
      2. A destruction where men will be scarce, and their houses 
         destroyed - Am 6:9-11
      3. Why?  Because they perverted justice and righteousness, 
         priding themselves in their own strength - Am 6:12-13
      4. But God will raise up a nation (Assyria) against them, who 
         will afflict them from the north ("the entrance of Hamath")
         to the south ("the Valley of the Arabah") - Am 6:14

[So ends the third of these three "sermons" of Amos. Before we conclude
our study, let me share some...]

IV. OBSERVATIONS FROM THE "SERMONS" OF AMOS

   A. THE RECURRING THEMES OF JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS...
      1. Several times we find references to justice and righteousness 
         - Am 5:7,15,24; 6:12
      2. Their opposites are also mentioned:  oppression and evil 
         - Am 3:10; 4:1; 5:10-12
      3. Lacking justice and righteousness, all their religion, wealth,
         and power were in vain!
      -- Is there not a lesson for us to learn here? - cf. Mt 5:23-24

   B. ISRAEL'S FAILURE TO HEED GOD'S CHASTISEMENTS...
      1. That God used natural calamity to get their attention is 
         evident - Am 4:6-11
      2. Why did they not heed God's efforts?
         a. Perhaps they did not make the connection
         b. Perhaps they assumed is was just a coincidence
      3. One would be amiss to always attribute natural calamities to 
         God's working; yet...
         a. Should we not be open to the possibility that God may be 
            saying something?
         b. Should we not at least use such occasions to reflect on our
            relationship with God?

   C. REGARDING THE DAY OF THE LORD...
      1. The "day of the Lord" is a day of judgment, and a day of 
         darkness - Am 5:18
         a. In Amos it has reference to God's judgment upon Israel, 
            which came when Assyria took them into captivity
         b. But such judgment prefigures the Final Judgment, the "day 
            of the Lord"
            1) In which Christ will come to judge the world - Ac 17:
               30-31
            2) It too will be a day of "darkness" - cf. 2Pe 3:7,10-12
      2. While we might not desire that "day" per se, we do look 
         forward to what is to follow - cf. 2Pe 3:13-14

   D. GOD'S GRACIOUS OFFER OF REPENTANCE...
      1. Even with the pronouncement of judgment, there is an offer to
         have life if one repents - Am 5:4-6,14-15
      2. As we saw with Joel and Jonah, God was willing to relent for
         those who repented
      3. Even today, while the gospel proclaims judgment to come, it
         also offers salvation! - cf. 2Co 6:1-2
 
CONCLUSION

1. Unfortunately, not many heeded the warnings of Amos - cf. 2Ki 17:
   13-23
   a. Within thirty years (722 B.C.), Israel was taken into captivity
   b. Under the cruel hand of the Assyrians, they experienced the
      righteous judgment of God

2. What about us, will we heed the warnings of Christ and His apostles?
   a. Their message is really not that different ("seek the Lord and
      live", "seek good and not evil")
   b. They too call upon us to repent and seek the Lord through faith 
      and obedience, though it is obedience to the gospel of Christ and
      not the Law of Moses

Remember that the book of Amos, along with the rest of the Old 
Testament, was:

   "...written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages 
   have come." (1Co 10:11)

Are we willing to learn from its admonition, such as those found in 
the prophecies of Amos?


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011