God’s True Church
Come to Bethel, and transgress; to Gilgal, and multiply transgression; bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days; offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving of that which is leavened, and proclaim freewill offerings, publish them; for so you love to do, O people of Israel!” declares the Lord GOD.
Amos 4:4–5
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God’s True Church
Much of modern Christianity is mocked by our unbelieving brothers and sisters. And why wouldn’t it be? What is presented as Christian worship is more akin to a Hollywood production or the latest rock concert. There is little mention of Jesus, or Law and Gospel. The listener's emotions and feelings are presented as the arbiter of truth and not God’s Word. It seems we have not learned much from the days of Amos. In these passages Amos suggest that they give into their false and idolatrous ways, as they evidently care more about making a show of worship more than they actually love God’s Word and what He has done for them. Far too many churches these days do the same thing. They refuse to worship God in spirit and truth. They are more concerned about telling the people what they want to hear as opposed to telling them what they need to hear. If your church does this leave, go to a church that preaches Christ crucified and nothing else. Who gives you God’s Word in Law and Gospel, and rightly administers the Sacraments. Do not fall for the flashy personalities and concert like atmosphere. Go to where the place where God says He will be, whether or not you “feel” Him or are moved by the experience. Our emotional response does not indicate the presence of God. God's promise is what we rest secure on, and He promises to be in His Word and Sacraments, He promises to be in His church. When you find that Church you will hear Jesus, you will receive His gifts, and He will change you.
Amos 4:4–5
+
God’s True Church
Much of modern Christianity is mocked by our unbelieving brothers and sisters. And why wouldn’t it be? What is presented as Christian worship is more akin to a Hollywood production or the latest rock concert. There is little mention of Jesus, or Law and Gospel. The listener's emotions and feelings are presented as the arbiter of truth and not God’s Word. It seems we have not learned much from the days of Amos. In these passages Amos suggest that they give into their false and idolatrous ways, as they evidently care more about making a show of worship more than they actually love God’s Word and what He has done for them. Far too many churches these days do the same thing. They refuse to worship God in spirit and truth. They are more concerned about telling the people what they want to hear as opposed to telling them what they need to hear. If your church does this leave, go to a church that preaches Christ crucified and nothing else. Who gives you God’s Word in Law and Gospel, and rightly administers the Sacraments. Do not fall for the flashy personalities and concert like atmosphere. Go to where the place where God says He will be, whether or not you “feel” Him or are moved by the experience. Our emotional response does not indicate the presence of God. God's promise is what we rest secure on, and He promises to be in His Word and Sacraments, He promises to be in His church. When you find that Church you will hear Jesus, you will receive His gifts, and He will change you.
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January
Responding to GodLamentationSeek GodThe Day of the LordA Matter of FaithThe Secure and the ComplacentThe Pride of the PeopleFrom Depths of WoeVisions of FireA Plumb LineAmaziahSummer FruitA Final VisionA Word of HopeA VisionHumiliationDisplacedStanding AloofHouse of FireRestorationHeeding God’s CallOverboardInside the Great FishFor a Second TimeMessage ReceivedNot FairA Lesson on MercyWho Is Like the Lord?O Earth!Then and NowLament
February
Courtroom DramaEnemies of GodThe Lord GathersFalse ProphetsZionRestorationWise MenIn, But Not OfGod’s ReproachSurvey the CrossLook to the LordVindicationThe Lord’s DeliveranceA Merciful HymnBack AgainLord’s Wrath and CareDoom and DeliveranceThe Enemies of GodOur ConquerorWoe to the City of BloodshedNo Other God’sAre You Better?Prophecy FulfilledThe Prophet SawHow Long?God in the MidstJustice ServedThe God of History
March
Waiting for an AnswerA Dire SituationA Twisting of the TruthIn His Image and In His LikenessThe Lord’s NameThe Sin of ManFear, Love, and TrustThe Day of SalvationThe Word of the LordThe Lord’s JudgmentClear and to the PointBe SilentThe Day of WrathSeek the LordGardensRunning After Other GodsSwordsThe Kingdoms of this WorldWhere is Your Trust?The Lord’s RemnantThe Truth of His WordThe Human HeartA Song of VictoryRebuildingObedience