Reading through the Prophets and hearing the Words of the Lord to His people can be very discouraging and depressing at times. God wants to get the attention of His rebellious children and correct them in their idolatry. So God talks a lot about sin, judgment, punishment, and His wrath coming against His people in discipline. God also speaks a lot about His holiness and the purity of His character and how His people are unholy and dirt. But God also speaks in most of the prophets, including Amos, of His faithfulness and restoring a remnant back into His promises. The last half of Amos 9 speaks of this faithfulness and coming restoration of God. God wants His people to have hope. God wants His people to grasp a hold of the hope when dark painful times come. So God always makes the hope of His faithfulness and grace clear. And this truth is still the same for us today. We as the children of God still sin daily. But God in His faithfulness gives us hope by telling us He will never leave us or forsake us. When we profess the name of Jesus and repent of our sin, there is still hope, in that God is for us and holding onto us. As John Macarthur said, “If we could lose our salvation, we and ever one else would”. The hope today for us as the people of God, who still need His discipline, is that God is faithful to us and will restore us. God is the giver of hope and grace to His people. Rejoice and have hope in that today.
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Tammy
9/11/2015 12:44:18 pm
Im going back to this yet again....there were a few faithful people as you have told us. Now....do they suffer Gods wrath with the rest as described in these verses? It reminds me of school. My daughter used to come home mad because the whole class got punished for something that only a few did. She didn't see it was fair that they all got in trouble....but no one was willing to go to the troublemakers and confront them....everyone paid for what they did. Is this the same concept? Or did God protect the few who were faithful?
Bruce
9/11/2015 01:36:10 pm
I have the same question and was actually going to ask it, when i sat down here this minute. I also have been wondering if i am being as Godly as what he would like, if through my own arrogance and ignorance, that i'm mis-inturpting his word, as the bible says about false profits. Although they may be unintentional sins, because i didn't understand something i read correctly, they are still sins to God. How do I know that i am doing right in his eyes?? And if i am doing right; am i going to punished for the many sins that our nation and world are committing, especially today?
Tammy
9/12/2015 03:10:56 am
Wow....we are on the same page and that makes me feel better cause Pastor Jeff know I come up with some good questions. I am one who when it comes to the Bible thinks outside the box. Haha.
Mike
9/12/2015 03:57:17 am
Tammy, I believe you answered Bruce's question....
Tammy
9/12/2015 06:13:48 am
Know what Mike? Haha...I thought of that after the words hit the page. Thanks. I believe you that God is always in control....but it doesn't always seem like that when we look around this world. However, all things work together for the good of those who love Him. We have to remember this in difficult times.
Bruce
9/12/2015 11:14:52 am
I guess Jesus would have been known as thinking outside the box, back in his day, so that puts you in good company..lol. I do remember that Jesus is the one that intercedes on our behalf. Actually had another conversation at work last about different churches and there teachings and as i was talking with these guys, it sort of hit me.... We go to a bible church that teaches us the bible. Even if I don't like understand some of things in there, that it is our guide. I will keep reading, studying and talking about it. Along with all of your help. I will hopefully show others the way to Jesus. I very glad that i can talk to good like you. That is a blessing for sure.
Tammy
9/13/2015 04:40:33 am
People have all kinds of ideas and things they know of their religion and the Bible. I find that when I come across someone who doesn't understand and wants to argue about it....I find it best to let it go. Some just want an argument and it's not worth it to the kingdom or myself to argue with someone who doesn't get what Jesus is teaching. I ask a ton of questions to alot of people and I am thankful God has put these people in my life to help grow me. That's what He's done for you also....and if someone tells you something you don't feel lines up with the Bible...just ask Pastor or another mature Christian. They can help.
Bruce
9/13/2015 06:40:17 am
I find talking in this blog a help for me as well. Get feed back from you and others is really great. I have asked others to join in as well and hopefully they will and we can all grow or help each other.
Tammy
9/13/2015 09:29:34 am
That sounds awesome! Thanks for spreading the word. It truly is a blessing....I agree with you. Leave a Reply. |
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