Proper 21

Welcome Statement

Amos is a prophet warning of the consequences of unfaithfulness and a life of what we call decadence. A life focused on the “good life” and indulgence.

His warning is to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Assyria eventually subjects them to Exile as they Gave up God as their protection.

This passage Is a specific warning to those who live in that life of Decadence, and have traded the warnings of God for their own violence against the people.

Old Testament Reading - Amos 6:1-7

Amos 6:1–7 NRSV

Alas for those who are at ease in Zion, and for those who feel secure on Mount Samaria, the notables of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel resorts! Cross over to Calneh, and see; from there go to Hamath the great; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are you better than these kingdoms? Or is your territory greater than their territory, O you that put far away the evil day, and bring near a reign of violence? Alas for those who lie on beds of ivory, and lounge on their couches, and eat lambs from the flock, and calves from the stall; who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp, and like David improvise on instruments of music; who drink wine from bowls, and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph! Therefore they shall now be the first to go into exile, and the revelry of the loungers shall pass away.

Amos 6:1-7

Old Testament Point #1

words

Old Testament Point #2

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Old Testament Point #3

words

New Testament Reading - Luke 16:19-31

Luke 16:19–31 NRSV

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” bm

New Testament Point #2

Personal Experience

Work

Men’s group admitting to my own

Closing Statement

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Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, adfs asdfa

Amen.

Doxology / Benediction / Closing

Let this not be a message of guilt or condemnation, but simply a reminder and call to repentance. Where we have implicitly let go of our Trust of God in our personal lives is where we need him most. This week, try to take that 10 minutes, or anytime at all, to give to God in silence. It’s easier said than done, but God has asked us to wear the Yoke of the Cross, so that we might be led into a life of Glory and salvation. Share that Good News to others that there is something greater than the decadence we distract ourselves with.

May you Have a Blessed Sunday, and rest of your Week! Amen!