William Hemsworth's Blog, page 107

The Background of Amos and Its Implications Today.

The book of the prophet Amos was written in approximately the 8th century B.C. and is the oldest of what has come to be known as the minor prophets. There is not much that is known about the prophet from a personal standpoint, but we do know that he was a sheepherder from the town of Tekoa, and that he wrote “two years before the earthquake” (Amos 1:1). In Amos 7:14 Amos also describes himself as a grower of figs.

The mixture of the two seemingly opposite occupations in interesting. On one hand, being a shepherd is a humble occupation and implies that one is of simple means from a monetary perspective. However, to be a grower of figs gives the opposite impression. In the ancient world figs were a delicacy, and to be a grower of them means that one had land on which to do it. This implies that Amos may have been wealthy, or at the very least had little issue with a steady income. Perhaps he had land to raise sheep, cattle, and grow figs.

This background is interesting considering some of the moral and social injustices that the book tells us. At this point the kingdom is divided, and though Amos was from the southern kingdom, he did his prophesying in the Northern Kingdom near Jerusalem. The kingdom was experiencing unprecedented economic growth and expansion because they controlled the most popular trade routes, and Assyria and Egypt were experiencing their own issues that led to their decline as powers of the day.

Amos communicates a series of eight prophecies. The first seven are about the nations that surround Israel, but the eight is directed toward Israel. Each prophecy is about the transgressions of the said nation, but when it comes to Israel the first seven transgressions listed correspond the eight nation which is Israel itself. In Amos Israel is named as breaking the seven covenants that God had given them. Amos is interesting in that the people appear to be very involved in religion. They are observing the rituals that are outlined in other parts of the Old Testament, but they are ignoring the social aspects of it. While they experienced unprecedented peace and prosperity, the people have become complacent, prideful, and only looking out for themselves. Amos warns the people that though they have the outward appearance of holy living their hearts are from God. They have become fascinated with a lifestyle of luxury, disenfranchised the downtrodden, and because of that the Lord will no longer accept their sacrifices (Amos 5:21-24). Their profession of faith was empty and void, and because they failed over and over to have a living faith, the emptiness will eventually bring destruction. The people felt that they were fulfilling their obligation to God, but this was hardly the case. Their hearts of stone reflected lives that were not filled with faith, and thus not changed. As a result the sacrifices set forth from the law were an impediment because they were empty ritual.

It has previously been explained that Israel was devoid of a living faith. This causes eight oracles, or prophecies, to be stated by Amos. Though the Israelites appeared to be pious, the conduct of their lives was anything but. Those with the riches abused their power and this would eventually bring the wrath of YAHWEH. Since they are the chosen people of God they are held to a higher standard, and as a result they are held to a higher standard of morality than the nations around them.

The news is grim as the Lord says that he will destroy the nation, but not the whole nation. A remnant will rise up that will follow the ways of YAHWEH as well as follow the rituals prescribed. Amos sees that YAHWEH will not destroy his covenants but will be faithful to them. Though the Israelites fell time and time again YAHWEH shows his love and mercy for them and ensures that His promise will be kept. Something better than what is currently present is promised. This is quite amazing when you consider the peace and economic prosperity that the nation was experiencing.

 In dealing with a living faith as seen in Amos, the most common interpretation appears to be that Israel was going through the motions and their hearts were not changed. They began to think more of themselves that was they should. In short, they began to succumb to pride and though going through the motions was enough. However, God wants every part of a man, and Amos shows us that going through religious ritual without a change of heart will lead to ruin. In Amos 9:7 YAHWEH lays out a very important question, “Are you not like the Ethiopians to me, O people of Israel? says the Lord. Did I not bring Israel up from the land of Egypt, and the Philistines from Caphtor and the Arameans from Kir (NRSV)?”

It is a call for a change of heart and humility. YAHWEH reminds the people that they were chosen from the beginnings of the world for a specific purpose. When it comes to Amos, there are those who say that some interpretations are racially motivated and that it is a book that advocates for social justice. There is little doubt that the book discusses proper treatment of the poor and the least among the rich. That is also a concept that is echoed in the totality of scripture.

The chosen people of Israel have a sad history of violating the covenants that YAHWEH has made with them. Though the they have been forgiven repeatedly, YAHWEH is holding them to a higher standard. The rituals that they have engaged in have not been enough. Though they may be circumcised physically, their hearts are not, and they are not acting like a people who had been chosen by God. It is not about social justice in the modern sense, but about living the life that God is calling us to live.

 

. David Noel Freedman, Allen C. Myers, and Astrid B. Beck, Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans, 2000) 56.

. Smith, James, The Minor Prophets. Old Testament Survey Series (Joplin, MO: College Press, 1994), 29.

. Keith Brooks, Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the Old Testament (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009), 200.

. Andrew Knowles, The Bible Guide, 1st Augsburg books ed. (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg, 2001), 364.

. Gleason Archer Jr., A Survey of Old Testament Introduction, 3rd. ed.th ed. (Chicago: Moody Press, 1994), 351.

. Collins, John, Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 2004), 293.

. William S. Lasor, David A. Hubbard, and Frederic W. Bush, Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1996), 253.

. Collins, John, Introduction to the Hebrew, 294.

. Ettien Koffi, “Theologizing about Race in Study Bible Notes: The Case of Amos 9:7,” Journal of Religious Thought, no. 1-2 (2005), https://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/222117358?accountid=12085.

. Lasor, Hubbard, and Bush, Old Testament Survey, 252.

The Faith of Abraham

The account of the promise of God to Abraham is an extremely important part of the Pentateuch.  It is this promise that sees a nation come from him.  Abraham, formerly Abram, was told to move from his home and he obeyed without question.  It is this faith that causes God to show favor on Abraham.  God tells him to look at the stars and his descendants will outnumber them.  It is here we find Abraham questioning because his wife, Sarah, is barren.

Sarah hands over her servant, Hagar, and Abraham has a son with her.  Sarah becomes Jealous and Hagar and Ishmael leave.  A bereaved Abraham is comforted by God who tells Abraham that they will be taken care of.  Ishmael will then “become the ancestor of a desert tribe (Collins, page 94).”  Thus one part of the promise is now complete.  God then works a miracle and tells Abraham that Sarah will bear a son.  Isaac is born and Abraham loved him dearly.

God then tested Abraham and told him to sacrifice Isaac.  Collins states “To appreciate the force of the story, the awfulness of the command must be taken fully seriously (Collins, page 95).  Isaac is spared and God’s providence is manifested.  Abraham would name the place where Isaac was supposed to be sacrificed “the Lord will provide.”  Abraham passed the test that God laid before him, and God told him that his descendants would be as numerous as the sand in the sea.  This would be manifested in Isaac whose son was Jacob.  Jacob had twelve sons whose families would become the twelve tribes of Israel, and Jacob himself would be renamed Israel.

The promise of God to Abraham results as a reward of faith and trust.  The things that Abraham went through were not easy, but through it all he knew that God would provide for him and lead the way.  As a result he was blessed with many descendants and many nations came from him.  Abraham’s story of faith and trust is also a model for us today.

Resources

Brown, Raymond E., Fitzmyer, Joseph A., and Murphy, Roland E. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1990.

Collins, John J. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2004.

Overcoming a Pornified Culture with Steven Pokorney

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-88fzr-c705b6

This week my guest Steve Pokorny and I discuss the sensitive issue if pornography.  Steve is the founder of freedom-coaching.net and author of the book titled “Redeemed Vision:  Setting the Blind Free from the Pornified Culture”.  We discuss what pornography is, its dangers, and how to overcome it.  Check out his great work!

Watch “Overcoming a pornified culture with Steve Pokorny” on YouTube

This week my guest Steve Pokorny and I discuss the sensitive issue if pornography. Steve is the founder of freedom-coaching.net and author of the book titled “Redeemed Vision: Setting the Blind Free from the Pornified Culture”. We discuss what pornography is, its dangers, and how to overcome it. Check out his great work!

You Are Not Alone

Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us. Hebrews 12:1

You’re Not Alone

There are times where life seems like a battle. There is a struggle going on that, at times, brings us down. We try to set aside time to pray, but somehow never get to it. We set aside time to read scripture, and something else grabs our attention. Does this sound familiar? If so, you are not alone. It happens to all of us. The devil wants us to think that we are alone in the fight. In the wilderness an animal that is alone is easy prey. He is looking for easy prey.

The Letter to the Hebrews is a sermon of sorts that describes those who are considering leaving the faith. The persecution was hard, and they were seeking an easier way. Likewise, this world is not kind towards Christians. In many places of the world the practice of Christianity is illegal, and yet the faith flourishes in those areas.

We’re in this Together

Today’s verse is one that encourages us to keep going and run this race with endurance. However, it doesn’t tell us to keep going all by ourselves. It makes it clear, that as Christians we are in this together. We are to pray for each other, love each other, and encourage each other. This is one way that we endure the things of this life to grow in our relationship with God. The other things we can do are read scripture, pray, and assist other believers. Lastly, we must examine our lives for sin, and confess those sins. Jesus is awesome and will forgive us for anything we have ever done.

We are never alone and have each member of the body of Christ. We have Jesus who is with us every step of the way and promised to be with us until the end of the age. He never goes back on his promises. He loves you and died for you. You are never alone. Keep running with endurance and remain faithful until the end.

Prayer

Jesus, there are times that I feel alone in this fight, but I know that is not the case.  I thank you for my brothers and sisters in Christ who are there for me fighting beside me.  Thank you for always being there and for loving me.  Be with me today.

The Biblical Basis For The Communion of Saints

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-2mqha-c603a7

This week’s program is actually my appearance on Gary Michuta’s radio program on Virgin Most Powerful Radio titled Hands on Apologetics.  In this episode Gary and I discuss the biblical basis for the Catholic teaching on the Communion of Saints.  We also discuss the early church stance as swell as its effect on my conversion.  Check out Gary’s program on http://www.handsonapologetics.com and please visit my site tucsonapologetics.org.

Grow In Faith With These 5 Free Catholic Resources

If you are like me, you want to learn as much as you can about the Catholic Faith. But sometimes there is a small issue of money. There are so many great resources, apostolates, and teachers out there that is hard to spread our hard-earned dollars around. However, there are many resources available to help you learn the faith at no charge. The following are five that I have used personally and can vouch for.

1. The Knights of Columbus

Yes, the Knights of Columbus. Some Catholics are unaware that the Knights of Columbus owns and operates Catholic Information Services. There are paid courses available, but they also have three free courses available to the general public. Are you investigating what the Catholic Church believes? There is a free course for that.

The Luke E. Hart course is a thirty-lesson course that takes you through the Catechism. In these courses there are booklets available that you can download or print to study as you see fit. Check it out at www.kofc.org/un/en/cis/

2. Pillars of Catholicism

A few years ago, John Paul the Great Catholic University in Escondido put together a series of thirteen videos and titled it “Pillars of Catholicism.” The videos are taught by Dr. Michael Barber, Dr. Christine Wood, and Fr. Andy Younan. The videos range from Christology, natural philosophy, the Trinity, and the Eucharist. They are great and informative, and they are free. There are also quizzes at the end to help you apply the learning. Check it out at www.pillarsofcatholicism.com/

3. The Vatican

It should come as no shock that the Vatican website is a literal treasure of information about the Catholic Faith. You can read the encyclicals of Pope Francis, or you can scroll through past Popes and read their biography and encyclicals. On the bottom right hand corner is a link titled “resource center”. That link will provide you with a link to the entire Bible, Catechism, Code of Canon Law, and ever Ecumenical council. And yes, it is all free. Here is the link w2.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html

4. Catholic Answers

The institution has a popular radio show and podcasts, but the website is phenomenal (and always improving). They have plenty of material that you can purchase, and they have so much that is also free. When visiting the website the “Ask Questions’ box is prominent. Type in whatever topic that you want to learn more about, and the website will deliver free content for your search. You can visit their website at www.catholic.com.

5. St. Paul Center

Scott Hahn was a big impact in my conversion process. His objections were my objections and he has a way of communicating that is easy for many to understand. His apostolate, The St. Paul Center, has several amazing resources to assist with understanding various parts of the faith. As with many sites, there are things on there that are only available by purchasing. However, if you click on “studies and tools” and scroll down to “online studies” you will discover a free goldmine. There are online courses on Mary, the Mass, covenants, and biblical worldview. The Bible is the primary text, and though the accompanying books by Dr. Hahn are recommended, they are not required. Check out the website at www.stpaulcenter.com/.

This is by no means an all-inclusive list. There are several Catholic ministries that have free resources to assist in understanding the faith. The objective of listing these five is to give you various options of resources to equip in growing as a follower of Christ. These resources are a good start to equip you in being a soldier for Christ. Have fun learning!

{This article originally appeared on epicpew.com and can be viewed here https://epicpew.com/grow-in-faith-with-these-5-free-catholic-resources/]

Watch “The Problem with the Prosperity Gospel with Rene Albert” on YouTube

The Deeds of Jesus

Jesus shows us what we must do with those we do not agree with. We must still them as people as they are created in the image of God.

William Hemsworth

Every Sunday in the creed we declare that Jesus is our Lord, but what does that mean?  What implications does that have on our lives?  In the Gospels Jesus tells us to love our neighbor (Mark 12:31), love God (Matthew 22:37), and show mercy (John 8:11).  How do his words correlate to his deeds, and what does that mean for us as his followers?  This post will take a deeper look at the scriptures referenced to illustrate how the words that Christ spoke correspond with his actions.

Jesus often spoke of what we now the call the perfect commandment.  Jesus spoke about loving God with all our heart and loving our neighbor as yourself.  The first verse mentioned above is Mark 12:31 which states, “The second is this ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  There is no commandment greater than these” (NRSV).  To love your neighbor means so much…

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The Problem with the Prosperity Gospel with Rene Albert

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-3932v-c4544b

This week popular blogger Rene Albert joins me on the program.  He blogs on Patheos and his blog is titled “Coffee & Crucifix”.  We discuss the errors of the prosperity gospel and the damage it does to the Gospel of Christ.  To learn more follow Rene on Twitter @coffeencrucifix or find him on Facebook at Coffee and Crucifix.  To read his article about the prosperity gospel visit https://www.patheos.com/blogs/coffeeandcrucifix/2019/09/the-problem-with-prosperity-theology/