Is Our Faith Growing?

O. T. #2136 "Is Our Faith Growing?"

Feb. 24, 2022

Amos 9

LET IT GLOW

We begin as children, physically and spiritually. We start out as babies, develop into teens, then mature into adults.

1 John 2:12-14 reminds believers who they are:

• Little children forgiven-We are adopted as His children when God forgives our sins and becomes our Savior.  they have to be fed the Word and taught how to live for Jesus. (verse 12)
• Little children who know God as Father (verse 13)
• Young men go through temptations and battles, and overcome the wicked one (verse 13)
• Fathers  (adults) who are strong, abide in the Word, and persevere over the long haul.

Circumstances do not dictate the actions of the mature believers. Their eyes are on the eternal. Which developmental stage are you in your Christian walk? Is our faith growing stronger or becoming stagnant?

LET IT GROW

In the last chapter, we read about the last vision of the Lord standing on the altar that Amos had. This prophecy describes the destruction of the idolatrous temple in Bethel of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. What is going to happen?

• The Temple columns will be struck and its foundation will shake.
• The roof will fall upon the heads of the people, killing them.
• Those who survived  the collapsed building will be killed by the sword.
• It will not matter where they hide, God finds them and they have no help. (verses 2-4)

The Israelites knew better than to worship idols instead of the One True Living God. Prophets were sent to warn them what would happen if the did not repent of their sins and turn back to God. So they were without excuse. And so are people today. Nature reveals the God of creation, Christianity teaches from the only Word of Truth, people tell them the gospel. They will be without excuse when they stand before a Holy God if they are not covered with the blood of Jesus Christ.

When death comes, it will be too late to trust Jesus as Savior. Do it now, today.

LET IT GO

Thank You for mercy and grace, Father.

Thank You Jesus for dying in our place, taking our punishment for our sins.

Grow us in faith and obedience.

May we serve, worship, and surrender to You God.

Glory to God in the highest, the King of Glory!