Sermon 229

SERMON 229 – REFORMATION OR FAMINE

Text: Amos 8:11–14 (Read vv. 1–14)
Date: October 30, 1949
Preacher: G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

Reformation Day recalls the awakening of the 16th century under Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli. The Reformation was needed because the church had departed from the Word of God. Amos warned of a similar crisis: not a famine of food or drink, but a famine of hearing the Word of the Lord. That warning is urgent today.

I. THE NATURE OF THE REFORMATION NEEDED

A. In the days of Amos, Israel had forsaken God’s Word
1. The ten tribes abandoned true worship.
2. They separated from Jerusalem and worshiped at Dan and Bethel.
3. They rejected God’s Word and devised their own religion.
4. Their understanding of God and salvation was no longer according to truth.
5. False prophets misled the people.
6. Salvation was sought in outward ritual rather than repentance.
Forsaking God’s Word was the root of their evils.

B. Before the 16th-century Reformation, the Roman Church had also forsaken God’s Word
1. The Bible had become a closed book to the people.
2. It was no longer the rule of faith and conduct.
3. Salvation by grace was obscured by doctrines serving human authority.
4. Self-righteousness replaced Christ’s righteousness.
5. Indulgences suggested salvation could be bought.
6. Christ’s finished work was buried under human traditions.
The Reformers cried: Back to the Word of God, back to salvation through faith in Christ alone, back to Scripture as final authority. Europe listened, and the famine was prevented.

C. Today the church is again departing from the Word of God
1. Many base salvation on goodness, character, or God’s general mercy.
2. Some imagine that contributions or church membership secure salvation.
3. There are contributing members who never worship yet assume they are saved.
4. Society rejects Scripture: God’s law is mocked, His standards ignored, His wisdom dismissed in homes, schools, and politics.
Once again the call must be heard: Back to the Bible.

II. THE FAMINE TO BE AVOIDED

A. It is either Reformation or famine
1. So in Amos’s day.
2. So in the Reformation era.
3. So today.
This is God’s ultimatum.

B. The nature of the famine
Not a famine of food or water, but a famine of hearing the Word of the Lord.
1. The Word will not be heard though people search for it.
2. Like wartime blackouts — only static, no voice.
3. Words will be heard, but not God’s Word.
This is a terrible judgment.
Man shall not live by bread alone.
King Saul longed for a word from God but heard nothing.
When God no longer speaks, people perish.

The ten tribes experienced this:
1. They ignored the prophets.
2. God withdrew His Word: Leave them alone.
3. When they desired His Word, it was too late.
They searched from sea to sea but found none.
The young fainted; the strong fell; they perished before dumb idols.

C. The present threat
1. God’s Word is despised today.
2. Unless America reforms, this famine will come.
3. Unless churches return to preaching the Bible as God’s Word, the church itself will perish.

CONCLUSION

During the Reformation, people returned to the Word and the famine was prevented. Without that return, the world would have sunk into darkness. America faces the same danger today. Civilization collapses, hope dies, and confusion reigns when the light of God’s Word goes out. It is tragic that America has removed the Bible from her schools and that Christians criticize those who still teach it. The choice remains: Reformation or famine.