Sermons on Judgment
Overcoming Opposition
Overcoming Opposition In our Pastor’s Welcome class I always share my belief that the single greatest outward indicator of your spiritual health is your commitment to the local church. Scripture portrays corporate worship as the primary expression of our faith. If that expression is weak in your life, we can assume it is hiding other, less obvious, struggles. Let me be clear, church attendance doesn’t save you, but not attending church (or frequently switching churches) often reveals growing concerns—whether those…
The Final Judgment
Awaiting Advent / Advent; Second Coming / Revelation 22:10–13 George Orwell’s parody of Communism, Animal Farm, basically provides an outline of how certain dictators have responded to COVID. In chapter five, Napoleon decided to end Sunday meetings where all the farm animals would vote on various decisions. He began making decisions for the farm among a small private committee. Squealer shared the news of this transition with the rest of the animals. No one believes more firmly than Comrade Napoleon that…
“Gideon’s Legacy” (Judges 9)
Introduction Last week we noted the unfitting end to Gideon’s life. A man worthy of great commendation for his faith, comes a hair’s width away from condemnation near the end. He declared that God was Israel’s King, but lived as if he were king, even naming his son Abimelech (“My father is king”). Gideon’s downfall was the result of: Underestimating external temptation Underestimating internal corruption Neglecting the means of God’s preservation (Holy Spirit, Prayer). But prior to that, we saw…
“Judge Not” (Luke 6:37-42)
Introduction Who do you follow? Not on social media, but in life. It’s an important decision to make. The religious example these disciples had prior to Jesus’ teaching was that of the Pharisees who were keen on judging and condemning everyone who didn’t quite meet their man-made standards. The Pharisees were not only hypocritical in their judgment of sin, they were entirely graceless in their condemnation of sinners. Jesus speaks to the importance of following teachers who lead with a…
Mourning and Famine (Amos 8:8-14)
Introduction Amos’ repeated warnings, first of words then of visions, have fallen on deaf ears. We’ve seen 4/5 visions Amos received: Plague of Locusts (7:1-3) Judgment of Fire (7:4-6) The Plumb Line (7:7-9) A Basket of Summer Fruit (8:1-3) God’s judgment is coming soon, he is not going to spare Israel any longer. Last week, we concluded that those who rejoice in corruption will mourn on the day of judgment. This afternoon, we will see what their mourning will look…
Ripe for Judgment (Amos 8:1-7)
Introduction Amos has warned the deaf nation of Israel about their moral and religious hypocrisy. We’ve seen the first three of five visions Amos received: Plague of Locusts (1-3) Judgment of Fire (4-6) The Plumb Line (7-9) In the second half of ch.7 we saw a confrontation between the priest of Bethel, Amaziah, and the prophet of God, Amos. That ended in a harsh word of judgment upon the rebellious priest and his family. Read Amos 8:1-7 The vision of…
A Prophet Vs. A Priest (Amos 7:10-17)
Introduction Amos has warned the deaf nation of Israel about their moral and religious hypocrisy. We’ve seen the first three of five visions Amos received: Plague of Locusts (1-3) Judgment of Fire (4-6) The Plumb Line (7-9) The Lord relented from destroying Israel after Amos intercedes in the first two visions. However, there is no such relief mentioned regarding the vision of the Plumb Line, which dealt with the ground of judgment. In tonight’s passage we see a confrontation between…
Divine Judgment (Amos 6:8-14)
Introduction Amos’ judgment > lament > woe. Moral Reformation > Religious Reformation. Amos has been addressing a self-righteous people who are not hostile to the Word of God, but indifferent about its impact upon their morality. They have become unthinking in their worship and indifferent in their morality. Read Amos 6:8-14 Common theme: reversal of expectations (1:2; 2:9; 3:2; 3:12; 4:1-3; 5:3; 5:13; 5:18-23). The people are still not responding! God has, in no uncertain terms, made his condemnation of…
The Lion Has Roared (Amos 3:1-8)
Introduction Do you understand biblical judgment? Do passages like this make you uncomfortable? Honestly, I think that’s the point. If you can read about God’s judgment in a lackadaisical manner, you aren’t understanding it. Amos’ oracles of judgment have turned from the nations to Judah and Israel. Read Amos 3:1-8 It is confusing. It is unsettling. We haven’t made it to the comforting sections yet. These words are meant to convict us. The crimes the audience committed against God and one another…
Judgment of the Hypocrite (Amos 2:4-16)
Introduction Have you ever been punished for mocking the punishment of others? While you’re laughing at the discipline of your brother, your father or mother turns to you. Amos has been called out of his life as a sheep-breeder (1:1) to declare the Lord’s roar from Zion (1:2). He has proclaimed judgment of the nations (1:3-2:3). Now he turns his attention to the people of God. Read Amos 2:4-16 Punishment falls upon the covenant people too! God expects obedience. He…
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