Tag: Bible Study (Page 2 of 28)

Men, we’re starting a new study for our time together, starting on AUGUST 12 — the Book of AMOS!

FORGE series on Amos: God’s Mechanic

August – September

When something goes wrong with a car, the owner sends in a mechanic to get it running smooth again. The prophets are God’s mechanics for Israel, God’s people. God sends them when Israel is not functioning and living as they should or could.  These Spiritual Mechanics diagnose the problem and attempt repairs.  They speak God’s word…

• When Israel has bad fuel – when they put  deceptions, lies, or false values into their tank.  The mechanic brings the highest octane – God’s truth.
• When Israel has yielded the wheel to idols or when other nations or false gods are steering them.  The prophet puts God back into the driver’s seat.
• When Israel is off the road or heading in the wrong direction.  God sends the prophet with a road map to redemption.
• When the tires need to be rotated, the oil changed, new filters installed to block that which is harmful, and when just going-through-the-motions in worship does not provide for their necessary or regular maintenance – the mechanic calls them to worship in Spirit and in truth to clean and maintain their system.
• The mechanic makes sure there are no warning lights flashing so that Israel stays within the guidelines of the owner’s manual, which is the Covenant. The prophet looks at all the gauges – most of which measure the way they treat each other, even foreigners: Is there justice? Care for the poor? Stewardship? Prayer and devoutness? All of these are indicators of how well they are running.
• Sometimes the mechanic allows them to stay broken down or stuck in the mud until they are ready to be responsible again.
• And though the mechanic may be partial to Fords (or Chevys, or whatever you want me to say) – he knows the specs and guidelines of all makes and models – not just Israel, but for all nations.

FORGE meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the Month. The book of Amos is only 9 chapters and we we essentially hit the major tenets of the Prophet in four weeks, starting with historical context. What God says through Amos to Israel (who are God’s people called to live Holy/whole-ly unto God), God says to us. We may skip one week to do whatever service project or good work is needed of us in the moment, or to focus on a good ribeye… (we are men, after all), but we will just pick it up the next time.

So grab your Bible, your fork, and your friend, and we will see you at FORGE.