Sermon text

Amos 1:1–8

[1] The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.

[2] And he said:

“The LORD roars from Zion
and utters his voice from Jerusalem;
the pastures of the shepherds mourn,
and the top of Carmel withers.”
[3] Thus says the LORD:
               “For three transgressions of Damascus,
and for four, I will not revoke the punishment,
because they have threshed Gilead
with threshing sledges of iron.
[4] So I will send a fire upon the house of Hazael,
and it shall devour the strongholds of Ben-hadad.
[5] I will break the gate-bar of Damascus,
and cut off the inhabitants from the Valley of Aven,
and him who holds the scepter from Beth-eden;
and the people of Syria shall go into exile to Kir,”
says the LORD.
[6] Thus says the LORD:
         “For three transgressions of Gaza,
and for four, I will not revoke the punishment,
because they carried into exile a whole people
to deliver them up to Edom.
[7] So I will send a fire upon the wall of Gaza,
and it shall devour her strongholds.
[8] I will cut off the inhabitants from Ashdod,
and him who holds the scepter from Ashkelon;
I will turn my hand against Ekron,
and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish,”
says the Lord GOD. (ESV)

Call to Worship

Psalm 142

[1] With my voice I cry out to the LORD;
with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD.
[2] I pour out my complaint before him;
I tell my trouble before him.
[3] When my spirit faints within me,
you know my way!
In the path where I walk
they have hidden a trap for me.
[4] Look to the right and see:
there is none who takes notice of me;
no refuge remains to me;
no one cares for my soul.
[5] I cry to you, O LORD;
I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”
[6] Attend to my cry,
for I am brought very low!
Deliver me from my persecutors,
for they are too strong for me!
[7] Bring me out of prison,
that I may give thanks to your name!
The righteous will surround me,
for you will deal bountifully with me. (ESV)

Prayer of Repentance

Gracious Lord, you alone are righteous and holy, and in your presence, no one can stand. Your gracious mercy is our only hope and we ask for your forgiveness. We pray for your cleansing touch to wash away our corruption, clothe us in righteousness, and for your hands to rework our lives anew. We pray these things in Jesus Christ's holy name. Amen.

Benediction

May the Lord equip you to speak truth with courage, conviction, and compassion. May you be a witness to the grace of God and hope found in Jesus Christ. May you stand in your homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods, declaring the reality of sin and the gift of salvation. Go in peace, with boldness, for His glory. May the Spirit fill you with unshakable faith, protect your families, and grant you wisdom to stand firm. The war is won—walk boldly in His victory beloved. It is in Jesus’ name that we pray. Amen

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