Amos

We finished the book of Hosea this morning at Dr. Overby's house with a grand view of sunrise over the river and followed by a delectable delight cooked up by Gretchen. I was impressed by the depth of your grasp of the overall book of Hosea. I learned much by going through this with you.
We now move on to study Amos (check out the YouTube video for a fun overview produced by some youth). Please read through the book before next Wednesday morning (June 4th). Amos was a shepherd from Tekoa. This prophet’s name means “burden bearer.” His message to Israel was again one of judgment, first to countries around Israel and then to Israel. Amos was the contemporary of Hosea, as well as Joel and Isaiah. Though he lived in the southern part of Judah, he was called to go to the northern kingdom. The northern kingdom about this time had won a war and had lots of money. Here's an outline of our intended focus in this book:

Lesson 1: A Message for You Amos 2:4-16
Lesson 2: Judgment on Wrongdoing Amos 3:9-4:3; 5:10-15; 6:4-7; 8:4-6
Lesson 3: Judgment on Pretend Worship Amos 4:4-5; 5:18-24
Lesson 4: Israel Will Not Listen to God Amos 7:7-17
Lesson 5: Certain Judgment—and Hope Amos 9:1-15

Hosea 14:1-9

A God who judges & brings back to Himself

Read Hosea 14:1-9

You have to understand the signs in order to obtain a valid NC Drivers License today. Why is it important to understand road signs?

What happens when we, or others, disobey or ignore road signs?

What were some signs that Israel should have recognized, and obeyed?

How was Israel going the "wrong way?" Refer to Hosea 11:12 - 12:14 as well as Hosea 13.

What does "repentance" mean? What is on the news indicating that we, as a country, need to repent and turn in a new direction? physically, mentally & spiritually? How about as a church? as families?

Are there even church activities that we can get involved in that become a substitute for true repentance? How might that happen?

Read Hosea 14:4-5: What three pictures of God are revealed here?

Read Hosea 14:5-8: What did God say He would do if Israel repented?

Read Hosea 14:9: God says, "I do not relate with you through the false worship of idols and being busy at empty religion. I speak with you and I look after you and I am faithful to you directly by My Spirit to your spirit. Your ability to have faith in Me is a gift of Mine. If you are wise, you understand what I am saying. You can tell what I mean with your spirit. You know my ways are right to live and you know how to live by my Laws. You also know that to live any other way will cause your whole life to fall and stumble."

Discuss this paraphrased verse for further insights and considerations from the group.

Wednesday May 7th, 2008

This Wednesday we'll continue focusing on Hosea 11:1-11. Consider these questions regarding Hosea 11:1-4:

1. What is a favorite family event in your life (describe it as if describing a picture)

2. What pictures can we find of God in Hosea 11:1-4?

3. What stories of reconciliation from our day & time come to your mind when you think of Hos. 11:1-4?

Concerning Hosea 11:5-7:

1. How do we feel about consequences related to sins of others in our world today?

2. How do we feel about consequences related to our own individual sins? our collective sins as a church? community? state? nation?

3. How do you think the younger generation feels about negative consequences to their own actions? How about the older generation?

Concerning Hosea 11:8-11:

This passage tells what God really felt about Israel. Look at Hosea 11:9. God said:

• I will not do anything in My burning anger.



• I will not destroy again.



• I will not do anything in anger.

1. Have you ever acted in the midst of burning anger? How did things turn out, for you? for others? Have you developed this as a pattern of behavior, or learned from it?

2. Can you think of some whose goals it has been to intentionally destroy others out of anger? Physically? Mentally? Spiritually? Is this being done in this day & time?

3. Is it ever good to do anything out of anger? Why or why not?

4. How can our church show that God hates the sin but always loves the sinner and is willing to help to restore a faithful relationship?