from the pastor

from last week

The Challenge of Faithful Patriotism

from the scriptures

Preparation

1. Read the Psalm aloud.

2. Read the Scripture from Amos
   

3. Take a moment to meditate on the Scripture.

Questions for Reflection

1. What do you think is the worst thing that could happen to the US? (Be creative in your thinking)

2. What was the most recent news story that you read about a terror attack on the US? (limit your story to the US) What would happen?

3. What was the most recent news story you read about an economic downturn? What did it say? How severe was would it be? What were the long term consequences if it happened?

Studying the Text

1. What did God show him?

1. What did God tell Amos he was doing?

2. What was about to be destroy?

3. What house was the sword about to come against?

4. Who was Amaziah?

5. What did Amaziah do?

6. What did Amaziah accuse Amos of doing?

7. What did Amaziah tell Amos?

8. In Amos' response:

• What did Amos deny?

• What was his occupation?

• What did God tell Amos?

• What will happen to Amaziah's wife and his daughters?

• What will happen to Amaziah's land?

• What will happen to Israel?

Living the Text

1. What were your thoughts as your read through Amos?

2. What do you think would happen to someone in the US if he/she said that about our country? Would anyone believe him?

3. Do you think that something like this could ever happen to the US? Why or why not?

Closing

1. Read the Scripture lesson again and take a moment to meditate on the passage.

2. What is God saying to you?

3. Thank God for his presence and ask him to apply what you have learned to your life.