05/30/2026
Sunday, May 31, 2026: Amos Warns the Nations
The live stream of our service starts at 10:00 AM at https://www.marksofthecross.org/. You can view the live stream directly in your browser on this website. You can try it beforehand to ensure you can access it. This method allows us to broadcast copyrighted music using our CCLI license, which Facebook does not recognize. After the service, I will download the video, remove the music, and post it here as soon as possible. The full service will always be available at https://www.marksofthecross.org/
The songs are:
1 Some Trust In Chariots https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAVZ3xoKVLw&list=RDsAVZ3xoKVLw&start_radio=1 - Robin Mark
2 Battle Belongs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtvQNzPHn-w&list=RDqtvQNzPHn-w&start_radio=1 - Phil Wickham
3 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNeP7bGagqg&list=RDoNeP7bGagqg&start_radio=1 - Matt Boswell
4 Confidence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNNTVD_dTxU&list=RDSNNTVD_dTxU&start_radio=1 - Sanctis Real
5 Listen to Our Hearts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxqHo2Pvfm0&list=RDLxqHo2Pvfm0&start_radio=1 - Casting Crowns
Background:
Israel was one nation with 12 tribes under King David and King Solomon. When Solomon died around 930 BC, the kingdom split over pride and power. The Southern Kingdom of Judah was ruled by King Rehoboam, a son of Solomon. Judah was made up of the tribes of Judah, the largest tribe, and Benjamin, the smallest tribe. The Levites or the priestly class were also part of Judah. The capital of Judah was at Jerusalem, where the Temple was located. The Temple was the proper place of worship according to God, and only the Priests of the Levitical class could lead worship. Judah was conquered by Babylon in 586 BC. After 70 years, the captives returned, rebuilt, and recovered. The Northern Kingdom of Israel was ruled by King Jeroboam, a rebellious servant of Solomon. Israel was populated by the other 10 tribes. Israel set up its capital at Samaria, but they had no Temple and no place of worship approved by God. They also had no Priests of the Levitical class to lead worship. This was not pleasing to God. Israel was conquered by Assyria in 586 BC and completely destroyed. They never completely recover. Israel and Judah are surrounded by enemies, but there is also animosity between the two kingdoms. Three of the countries surrounding them have common ancestors and should be "brothers."
This week:
Onto this scene, Amos appears. Amos was called by God to be a prophet to the nations. Amos is a sheep breeder from Tekoa, which is south of Jerusalem. Amos had no formal religious training, but God called him and equipped him. God's message, which he delivered, would please no one. Amos begins by warning each surrounding nation of the destruction God has planned for them. He also gives the reason for God's displeasure.
Sometimes it can be hard to apply Old Testament scripture to our lives. Here are some points to consider. God called an "unqualified" individual to do His work. When God calls us, we must say "Yes" and trust that He will lead us in what he has asked us to do. Sometimes we want to avenge some insult, big or small, from another. The scripture here makes it clear that God will judge and punish justly. God always keeps His promises. We may have to wait, but God will always do what he says He will do.
Scripture: Amos 1; 2:1-3