.K.! NEW CHRISTIAN....WHAT NOW? by Elmer G. Magnussen
If you are a new Christian, there are some very
important things you need to
know. First, you need to know exactly what has happened to you. Second,
you need to know God's provisions for your future growth and service to Him.
Daily devotions
is a 365 day devotions covering the entire Bible.
The entire world today is seeking wisdom! Education is prevalent in every
city. Literally thousands of young and old alike are attending universities.
But how many of them really know the meaning of wisdom? Wisdom is seeing
things from God's point of view.
...
The following testimony is that of a man by the name of Andre.
I WAS IN PRISON, AND YOU CAME TO ME (Matthew 25:36c)
"My testimony to my Christian Brothers and believers in Jesus Christ our
Savior. I want to thank the Lord for saving me from the life I was once
leading. First of all, I was living in darkness and I thought that I truly
loved the way I was.
...
1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the
LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall
not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent,
We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of
the tree which [is] in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not
eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said
unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day
ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods,
knowing good and evil.
Believerscafe
is a repository of Christian articles, bible versions, Christian Classics,
daily devotions, dictionaries and
other useful materials with over 40,000 pages. Believerscafe is a sister project
of WikiChristian, an encyclopedia and discussion
forum for all Christians to share their faith.
Inspirational Articles
Inspiration and instruction is great collection of 379 articles of Inspiration for your spiritual
growth and edification.
Christian Classics is a large
collection of great Christian Classics with over 30,000 pages.
ECF, Ante-Nicene Fathers, the Writings of the Fathers Down to
A.D. 325.
WWSB, World Wide Study Bible.
Today's Bible Study
Amos wrote his book about 25 years before the fall of
Amos wrote his book about 25 years before the fall of
Israel. In it we are visiting the city of Bethel, where
King Jeroboam II has his private chapel, and Amaziah is
his priest. The nation is enjoying peace and
prosperity; in fact, they are living in luxury.
Amos was God's man for his time. He was a
simple shepherd from Tekoa, a hill country town about
10 miles south of Jerusalem, and a dresser of sycamore
fruit. He was called to be a prophet to the whole house
of Jacob (chapter 3:1), but chiefly to the Northern
Kingdom at the main sanctuary in Bethel. He met with
the opposition of the high priest, and was reported to
Jeroboam II by him. Amos reduced his prophecies to
writing shortly after he returned to Tekoa. He began
his message by looking around at the nations and
announcing eight judgments.
Verse 2 of chapter 1 makes it clear that God is
roaring in wrath, like a lion leaping on its prey. Amos
begins with Syria and accuses her of cruelty in war. He
then points to Philistia and condemns her for the sin
of slavery. The Phoenicians are next, and they are
judged for cruel slavery and the selling of slaves.
Israel's old enemy Edom is accused of not showing pity,
but maintaining a constant hatred. Ammon is judged for
her violent crimes and selfish greed; Moab for her
cruelty to Edom; and Judah for rejecting the Law of
God.
Perhaps it pleased the people of Israel as they
listened to Amos condemn their neighbors, but judgment
number eight was reserved for Israel. In chapter 2:6-16
the prophet names the sins of the people of Israel;
and, in verse 13, he says he is pressed by the burden
of that sin.
Having announced judgment to the nations. Amos
now explains why judgment is coming. We must remember
that Israel was enjoying a time of peace, prosperity,
and religious revival. People were attending religious
services and bringing generous offerings. However, God
does not look on the outward appearance, but on the
heart. Amos knew the hearts of the people were far from
God.
In chapters 3, 4, and 5 Amos brings three
sermons to the people. He prefaces each sermon with,
"Hear this word." The first message is one of
explanation (chapter 3:1-15); the second message is one
of accusation (chapter 4:1-13); and the third message
is one of lamentation (chapters 5:1--6:14).
Madam Guyon
