Sunday Sermons

As we continue our study of the Apostles’ Creed, this week we direct our attention to the second member of the Trinity, Jesus the Son. The fact that the early church dedicates so much of the creed to Jesus, should, in and of itself, alert us to the supreme importance of the person and work of Jesus Christ as foundational to the Christian faith.

This week we begin a short series to help us gain clearer understanding of The Apostles’ Creed. This creed helps us to remember and rehearse what the Bible states are the beliefs of those who are truly in Christ. The creed begins with God the Father and tells us who he is and what he has done.

This past week, we had the great honor of serving our Lord by ministering to over two hundred children at Vacation Bible School. Throughout the week, they learned  that our God is the Magnificent Marvelous  Master of the whole wide world. In these two stories from the gospel of Mark, we are given a glimpse of this glorious truth as it is revealed in the person and work of Jesus.

This week, we conclude our study in the book of Amos. Although the book has consistently exposed Israel's sin and warned of God's coming judgment, it concludes with a message of hope. The Lord promises the future restoration that awaits those who remain faithful to Him.

In this concluding chapter of Amos, the Lord reiterates much of what he has already declared throughout the book to the nation of Israel. This passage brings into sharp focus the certainty of his judgment to arrogant and unrepentant people who have persistently ignored the prophet’s warnings of the destruction they deserve. God will fulfill his word and there is nothing that the unrighteous can do to escape it.

As we continue through the book of Amos, God further exposes Israel’s sin and their determination to persist in disobedience. Yet, God’s plans will always prevail. In 8:4-14, we see a people who insist on ignoring the word of the Lord, as well as the overwhelming magnitude of the judgment that awaits them.

Last week, we looked at two visions of judgment for Israel that the Lord revealed to Amos concerning Israel, in which the Lord relented in response to Amos’ intercession. In contrast, the two visions in this week’s passage depict judgments that will certainly come to pass. They serve as a sobering reminder that God’s patience will not endure indefinitely and as a warning that His people today must take seriously.

As we approach Amos 7, we are confronted with a series of visions that the Lord shows the prophet concerning Israel’s future destruction. However, the opening section of this chapter (7:1-6) provides a slight shift in tone from everything we have read so far. It provides a glimpse of God’s mercy in response to Amos’ intercession on behalf of the people. 

After calling Israel out for their meaningless and superficial displays of worship in chapter 5, the Lord continues to expose the nature of a life lived devoid of genuine acknowledgement of God. Even though they are the Lord’s chosen people, their sin must be addressed and punished.

In the second half of Amos 5, God confronts Israel’s false assumptions in their standing before the Lord. This misplaced assurance is evident in their eagerness for the “day of the Lord” to come, as well as their continued outward religious practices. Yet God is not impressed with their external displays of devotion. Their hearts remain far from him and his righteous judgment will soon come upon them.