We all know the story of Jonah, but reading it closely can give us a fresh appreciation for the deep literary features that make the story compelling and even moving. Reading it rightly helps us to see ourselves in Jonah (or see Jonah in ourselves) and rediscover the God of abundant Grace.

In an age of continuous outrage and animosity. Jesus' words to his followers are convicting and fresh. We like Jesus, must leave behind hate and love even our enemies. In this way we reflect God's character, and proclaim our own salvation as the forgiven enemies of God.

Both Obadiah and Nahum focus on impending judgment for foreign nations. Although the idea of God's judgment can be unpalatable to us today, both books are presented as good news and comfort to those who have been mistreated and oppressed by those nations. The truth is, we need a just God and should rejoice in the fact that one day there will be no more injustice, Jesus has brought about his kingdom.

Freedom is not only a keyword in American politics, its also a keyword in Christianity. But how does American freedom differ from the Christian version? Christian freedom is deeper gives us the ability to be subject to every governing authority. Intrigued?

The final chapters of Amos are full of visions. Some that God relented from, some that have come to pass, and some that will one day be fulfilled. At the center of them is the plan of God that culminates in Jesus Christ, the savior not just of the Jews but of the whole world.

The first root we need to remove from Christianity is the will to power. Although coercion is a good aspect of government, it has grown primary in our political engagement and is not the way the kingdom will be brought or protected. It's time to dethrone and demythologize politics and pursue human flourishing with God's help instead.

The people of Israel in Amos' day were not just prosperous but very religious. However, Amos comes to warn them that their religion won't save them. Although they worship at the places of their forefathers, they do not worship as their forefathers did; theirs was a worship without change, without humility, without truth and therefore without hope.

What is the primary mark of being part of God's Family? Paul in his conclusion walks through the contours of the Old Testament to show the nature of God's family is the same as it has always been: through faith in the promises of God and his miraculous work.

Amos lays a trap for his audience by beginning with their closest neighbors (and biggest enemies!) before centering his sights on Israel. He calls them out for their injustice and the false religious veneer that keeps them from facing their impending fate. True, they are God's special people, but that doesn't make them untouchable, it makes them accountable.

For us to grow in our relationship in Christ, we need the help of teachers and parents in the Lord, but how can we make sure those we follow will lead us rightly? Paul here presents an example of what Christian leadership looks like and calls us to follow him as he follows Jesus.