Study the Bible in Two Years – 10/27/10

Wednesday, Oct. 27 – Amos 9

1.  In this last vision of 5, the Lord is striking down their altar to him, which was a false one. They cannot hide from him or escape!  What can cause people to desire to hide from God?

2.  In the midst of destruction for their sins, the Lord also gives precious promises!  See 9:11.  When will David’s fallen tent be restored?  (Think of the promised “son of David!”)

3.  Over 90% of Amos’ prophecies are severe punishments, yet God’s final word to Israel is a word of grace and blessing.  God’s people will return to their land!  Remember that this is all fulfilled in Christ.  What promises of Jesus do you cling to in hard times?

Study the Bible in Two Years – 10/26/10

Tuesday, Oct. 26 – Amos 8

1.  In vision #4, God shows Amos a basket of “ripe fruit.”  What happens to a basket of fruit that is very ripe?  What will happen to God’s people?   For what sins? See 8:4-6. 

2.  Some might interpret 8:9 as an eclipse.  There seems to be a much better fulfillment.  What is it?  See Luke 23:44-45.  When the temple curtain is torn, Amos 8:10 is also fulfilled!

3.  Amos 8:11-12 is probably the most familiar passage in his book.  How did this happen at the time of Martin Luther and the Reformation?  How could this happen today?

Study the Bible in Two Years – 10/25/10

Monday, Oct. 25 – Amos 7

1.  God gives Amos two visions, 7:1-6.   What does Israel deserve for their sins?  Do they get what they deserve?  (Apply to yourself!)

2.  Vision #3 is a plumb line.  This is a weighted string that builders use to make sure walls are built straight. With this illustration, the Lord is sending what message to Israel? 

3.  Instead of listening and repenting, what does Amaziah the priest do?  How do people in God’s church do the same thing today?

Study the Bible in Two Years – 10/23/10

Saturday,  Oct. 23 – Amos 6

1.  From 6:1, we know that Amos is talking to both kingdoms, Judah (Zion) and Israel (Samaria).  What are their sins as described in 6:1-7?   Note the key words in verse 1.

2.  How can we become complacent about our faith?

3.  If you eliminate faith in the Lord, where do people go to get a sense of security? How can we be lured into the same problem?

Study the Bible in Two Years – 10/22/10

Friday, Oct. 22 – Amos 4-5

1.  What does Amos tell Israel to do in 4:12?  Note the description of the Lord in verse 13. Apply it to yourself!  Does this command inspire fear?  Confidence?  Apathy?

2.  What are the businessmen and government officials doing to the average citizens?  See 5:11-15.   Note especially verse 14 for a note of warning for us!

3.  The people continue to worship, but how does the Lord feel about it?  See 5:21-24.  When could our worship become hypocritical?   Note: With all of this strong preaching of the law, may it lead us to run to Jesus in repentance and humble faith.

Study the Bible in Two Years – 10/21/10

Thursday, Oct. 21 – Amos 3

1.  Why does the Lord expect more of Israel than he does of the other countries?  See 3:2  Apply that to God’s people now!

2. Note how Jesus teaches the same principle in Luke 12:47,48.  What does the Lord expect from us? 

3.  The questions in 3:3-6 have obvious answers.  The Lord is leading up to the last question in 3:6b, which also has an obvious answer.  Does this still happen today?

Study the Bible in Two Years – 10/20/10

Wednesday, Oct. 20 – Amos 1-2

1.  Amos was from Tekoa, a town south of Bethlehem in Judah, and was sent to preach to the northern kingdom of Israel.  What was his occupation?  Also see 7:14 for another part of his job.  He preached about 760 BC, at a time of great prosperity for Israel.  But inwardly and spiritually, Israel was corrupt, and they would soon fall.  What is significant about the comment that his message was “two years before the earthquake?”

2.  “For three sins, even for four” is a literary form to indicate that these various peoples are piling up sins.  At the beginning, Amos brings a prophecy about every neighbor surrounding Israel, but at the end, concentrates on the northern kingdom, 2:6-16.   What are some of the sins of which they are guilty?

3.  Note 2:11,12.  Nazarites were those who had made a special vow of dedication to the Lord, including refraining from all alcohol.  The prophets brought God’s Word to the people. They led Nazarites into sin, and told the prophets to shut up.  How do you see these sins in the church today?

Study the Bible in Two Years – 10/19/10

Tuesday, Oct. 19 – Psalms 79-82

1.  In Psalm 80, God’s people is compared to a vineyard that is being ruined.  Who is at God’s right hand, who will restore all things and save us?  See 80:17-19.

2.  What does God do to those who will not listen to him?  See 81:11-12.  Where do you see that in our country today?

3.  Jesus quotes Psalm 82:6 when he is defending that fact that he is the Son of God.  See John 10:34,35.  This difficult verse needs some explanation. In the Psalm, the word “gods” is used for human rulers who were to represent God and act in his stead and with his authority on earth.  They have failed but the one true God will bring justice!