In a recent study done, researchers learned that the middle school years’ are particularly shaping for little ones and that those who go through consistent verbal bullying, actually caused changes in the white matter of the brain.

It’s easy to think our words don’t actually inflict damage, they’re just words. But research is showing that not only do they inflict emotional damage, words have the ability to impact physical damage.

If we have misspoken, begin the process of repair. It’s not about perfection, it is about repair.

It is the blood of the Risen Christ that gives God’s people life. And it’s the testimonies of God’s people that are the continued lifeblood of the Christian community. What is God resurrecting in you?

Faith is trusting Who God is and what God has done. Faith is also trusting what God is doing... right now.

What area or aspect or your life IS God resurrecting in you today?

Judgment Day, Restoration, Heaven, hell... and so many questions. Today, we read one the most beautiful aspect of Amos' prophetic book:

“They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them.

They will plant vineyards and drink their wine;

they will make gardens and eat their fruit.” (Amos 9:14)

Heaven, which is really the Kingdom of God, is more earthy than we let on. Having almost everything to do oneness, mutuality and reciprocity, sacrifice and dignity abounds. There will be enough meaning & purpose, dirty hands & doing dishes, laughter & songs, rest & rooms, enough love, work, space and even enough “wine”, which is a symbol for… wine.

Noone will have too little.

Noone will have too much.

Hell is reserved for those who refuse this type of living–sacrifice, sharing, oneness, mercy & equity–because they refuse this type of God. As C.S. Lewis noted, “if hell is locked, perhaps it’s locked from the inside.”

If we can understand this type of eternal judgment, we will understand God's active stance against injustice a bit more.

Guilt and shame. It is the default modus operandi of our fallen world. Moreover, shame cripples many in the church.

When we read the book of Amos, it is hard to not feel ashamed!? The call is not the condemnation of shame but rather the conviction of calling.

The question for all of us... what beautiful and actionable mission (aka justice) is God stirring in you? And how do we step into our prophetic callings in freedom and conviction?

Religious Presumption.

Religious Hypocrisy.

Religious Indifference.

What is needed to course correct to these (un)natural trajectories?

Justice. Confession. Love.

Listen to Greg bring a message of tough love and necessary action.

(It's a bit fuzzy in the beginning, it gets clear after a couple of minutes).

Amos 5:14

Seek good, not evil,

that you may live.

Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you,

just as you say he is.

Seeking God = Seeking Good. In the mystery, the life God wants life for us is the same sacrificial living God asks from us.

Mission. Justice. Mercy. These are not "checklists" for Christian living. These are THE road to joy as well as the road of preparation.

We never know what tomorrow will bring.

Our social status (national, financial, vocational) may seem fine today, but could be gone tomorrow. Today, let's steward our spiritual status by caring for those who lack social status. This trains us for the potential day when we must truly care for one another.

Amos 2:6 “They sell the innocent for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals.”

Justice Socially - WE must understand….

1. Sin and injustice is not only “individual” but also a collective force (Amos 2:6-16, 3:1-2, cf. Eph. 2:1-3)…

2. Overtime, tyrannical powers–nations, groups, peoples–will be humbled if not overthrown (Amos 3)…

3. The wealthy must critically consider the ways he, she, WE extort the poor (Amos 2:6-7, Amos 3:10).

WE are fairly wealthy.

Lent is a time of examination. In the midst of social disparities, WE must examine the ways WE have participated in (or excused) financial injustices.

Rooted in the book of Amos, the title "God Roars" reminds us that we have a holy, powerful and righteous God whose unfailing love gives rise to a justice that for some or many feel uncomfortable.

It's good to be uncomfortable.

The tension provides us a unique opportunity to contemplate as we (re)turn to God.

As we move towards all others in love, God is working in us and God's work is enough.

A working faith. Saved from sin. Saved for purpose. By love. For love. A heart that overflows flows over others (Jas. 2:14-26).

The twist in our stories is that we’re not working out our faith by ourselves… we have a Helper, the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14).

What next step is the Spirit within you and I moving us to take?

Preferences is a part of life. Welcoming all people is what it means to follow Jesus.

Great Quote: "Empathy without mercy is like welcoming someone without giving them a seat. Look around. Each person here needs a seat."

NOTE: Unfortunately, we had technical issues. This message is a recap. The good news is that her notes are attached!