Audio

Vision Three-The Plumb Line

• Lesson 10 for the week of December 1 to December 8

Background and Literary Considerations Again, we come in this lesson to a “vision report,” the third in a series of five. Given Amos’ penchant for surprising us with reversals of expectations, how should we prepare...

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Vision Two-Judgement by Fire

• Lesson 9 for the week of November 24 to December 1

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 17 to November 24

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 10 to November 17

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 3 to November 10

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 27 to November 3

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 20 to October 27

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 13 to October 20

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 6 to October 13

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 29 to October 6

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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Behold, He Comes!

• Lesson 13 for the week of September 22 to September 29

Key Passages: Isaiah 11, 65-66; John 14:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonians 4 He Will Come. In our modern world, the Christian has to fight on two fronts. On the one hand, an increasing number...

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The Days of the End

• Lesson 12 for the week of September 15 to September 22

Relevant Passages: Matthew 24-25; Acts 1:6-8; Thessalonians 5:1-3 Essential Knowledge in the Days of the End. When Jesus was on earth, the disciples were very curious about the end of time. As he sat on...

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The Remnant

• Lesson 11 for the week of September 8 to September 15

Relevant Passages: Revelation 12:17 The Last of the Last. Scripture can depict God’s people as a mighty throng, then turn right around and call them a threatened remnant. A great crowd left Egypt in the...

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The Hour of God’s Judgment

• Lesson 10 for the week of September 1 to September 8

Relevant Passages: Daniel 7-8; Revelation 14:6-12 Judgment: The Good News and the Bad. In contrast with our modern era when the thought of judge and judgment is rarely a sign of joy, judgment in the...

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