Tag: Alden Thompson

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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The Heavenly Family

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

Key Passages Phil. 3:20 — Our citizenship is in heaven. 2 Cor. 5:1-10 — The believer longs for something better. Rom. 8:18-25 — The whole creation waits and groans in hope. Descriptions of a restored...

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Strong and Active

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

Key Passages: Isa. 58:1-14 — The Sabbath and the true fast. Rev. 14:6-12 — The three angels’ messages. Eph. 2:19-22 — Christ the foundation holds the house together 2 Peter 1:5-11 — Peter’s ladder: faith,...

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How We Are Today

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

Key Passages: Matt. 7:15-20 — Beware of false prophets; check the fruit. Matt. 7:24-27 — Obedience means building on rock, not sand. Matt. 24:11-13 — False prophets, lawlessness, loss of love. 1 Tim. 4:1-5 —...

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Christ, Center of Our Homes

• Lesson 10 for the week of November 27 to December 4

Key Passages: Psalm 127 — Labor is vain unless the Lord builds the house. John 2:1-10 — Jesus blesses family life at a wedding in Cana. Eph. 5:21-31 — Spouses are to be subject to...

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Salt and Light

• Lesson 9 for the week of November 20 to November 27

Key Passages: Matt. 5:13-16 — Salt of the earth, light of the world. Mark 9:50 — Have salt in yourselves and be at peace. John 8:12 — Jesus is the light of the world. 2...

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Zealous for Good Works

• Lesson 8 for the week of November 13 to November 20

Key Passages: James 2:14-26 — Works demonstrate faith Titus 2:7-8 — A model of good works silences opponents Titus 2:14 — A purified people, zealous for good deeds Eph. 2:8-10 — Created for good works,...

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In the World, Not Of the World

• Lesson 7 for the week of November 6 to November 13

Key Passages: 1 John 2:15 — Don’t love the world or worldly things. 1 John 4:1-3 — Believers confess that Jesus came in the flesh. Phil. 3:17-21 — Enemies of the cross live for the...

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United in Diversity

• Lesson 6 for the week of October 30 to November 6

Key Passages: Rom. 12:4-8 — God gives different gifts to different people. Gal. 3:28 — Jew/Greek, slave/free, male/female are all one. 2 Cor. 13:11 — Agree with one another and live in peace. Eph. 4:1-3...

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