Vision Two-Judgement by Fire

• Lesson 9 for the week of November 25 to December 2

Background and Literary Considerations Review the comments in the previous lesson about “vision reports.” What was the main purpose of these in general and how specifically does Amos use them–individually and the five of them...

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Vision One-Locusts and Prayer

• Lesson 8 for the week of November 18 to November 25

Background and Literary Considerations We are introduced in this lesson to “vision reports,” another in the vast repertoire of Amos’ speech forms. These appear throughout the Bible and are typically introduced in the Old Testament...

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At Ease in Zion

• Lesson 7 for the week of November 11 to November 18

Background and Literary Considerations The nature of “Woe!” oracles is to startle and call for change. Of the three such speeches in Amos, two appear in chapter 6 and form the basis of our lesson...

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Pass Over or Pass Through?

• Lesson 6 for the week of November 4 to November 11

Background and Literary Considerations Whereas Judgment Speeches are typically announcements of doom, almost as if there is no turning back, no chance for reversing the inevitable slide toward punishment, “Woe!” speeches or oracles are set...

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Seek the Lord

• Lesson 5 for the week of October 28 to November 4

Background and Literary Considerations Amos provides us with a fascinating blend of guidelines regarding worship and those having to do with social justice, the latter predominating by far. Chapter 5 is no exception. It speaks...

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Prepare to Meet Your God

• Lesson 4 for the week of October 21 to October 28

Background and Literary Considerations We have already in Amos encountered seriously judgmental speeches from the prophet. This week’s passage is no exception – at least Amos is consistent! As part of the second “Judgment Speech”...

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Hear This Word!

• Lesson 3 for the week of October 14 to October 21

Background and Literary Considerations We are now introduced to “Judgment Speeches,” of which there are three major ones in the book of Amos. They all three begin with: “Hear this word ….” As used among...

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Sins of the Neighbors

• Lesson 2 for the week of October 7 to October 14

Background and Literary Considerations Amos 1:2-2:16 introduce us to three major speech forms in Amos: a sermon, speeches or oracles against foreign nations (OAN) and the “numerical” proverb. Delivered evidently at the sanctuary at Bethel,...

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The Non-prophet Prophet

• Lesson 1 for the week of September 30 to October 7

Background and Literary Considerations Amos, the person – What can we know from the book itself and from the world of the eighth century B.C. which might help us understand this person better? With the...

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Blessed Assurances in Revelation

• Lesson 13 for the week of March 18 to March 25

Background Considerations: Of all the books of the Bible, Revelation promises the greatest assurance, especially to those who have been oppressed, marginalized, wronged, in other words those needing hope the most. If one stands back...

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Witnessing With Assurance

• Lesson 12 for the week of March 11 to March 18

Background Considerations: A confident Christian has something to say about faith and is not afraid to say it. Although gifts vary and levels of intensity (from nature and nurture!) differ among people, those who have...

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God’s Assurance in Baptism and the Communion

• Lesson 11 for the week of March 4 to March 11

Background Considerations: Christians all over the world relate in different ways to sacraments. In many places you can never have too many; there is a ritual every time you turn around. And people find it...

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Assurance and the Final Judgment

• Lesson 10 for the week of February 26 to March 4

Background Considerations: The appearance in the same sentence of “assurance” and “judgment” seems to create an oxymoron; this does not make sense, because people are normally not encouraged by references to accountability and assessment. Are...

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Such a Great Cloud of Witnesses

• Lesson 9 for the week of February 19 to February 26

Background Considerations: Reviewing some definitions of “faith” might prove helpful in a good Bible dictionary in preparation for the discussion of this lesson. The Old Testament is more holistic and uses terms like faithfulness and...

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