Amos - God's word to a world of injustice
Introduction
In the book of Amos we see clearly God’s anger about the idolatry and injustice that scars his world. The message is still hugely relevant and the aim of these home group studies is to grapple with the challenge of Amos in today’s world.
Amos’s message is especially challenging to the Church. Amos was speaking to those who considered themselves God’s people. They were highly religious, enthusiastic worshippers – but God condemns their worship because it makes no real difference to their behaviour – and especially the way they oppress the poor. Amos’s message, like all Biblical prophecy, aimed to disrupt ‘the way things are’, to upset the status quo and bring change.
As a Church, will we allow Amos’ radical message of justice to challenge us today?
The six-session study
There are six sessions in this study with a good proportion focusing on application – what does the message of Amos mean day-to-day for our church and for us personally?
The six studies have been grouped as follows:
Using the material flexibly
The studies are designed to last between 50 minutes and an hour - depending on the discussions! Please feel free to adapt the material to fit your context. We hope it will help you grapple with the challenge of Amos in a way that fits your home-group.
A challenge for each session
Each session had a simple ‘challenge’ for each member to do during the week. If people complete the challenge it will bring the studies to life as they come back with something to share.
Leaders - do encourage people to give the challenges a go – and lead by example! They should only take a matter of minutes and action on the issues under discussion needs to start somewhere! Make sure you give each person a copy of the challenge information included at the end of each session material.
January 2010
Jon Kuhrt was director of Community Mission at
Livability until June 2010 and is now working at West
London Mission