Sermon 252

SERMON 252 — THE NATURE OF THE COMING FAMINE

Text: Amos 8:11–14 (Read 1–14)
Date: late 1940s
Preacher: G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

The prophet Amos warns Israel of a coming famine, not of bread nor of water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.This warning connects directly to the meaning of Reformation: when the Word of God is rejected, famine follows.

SUBJECT: THE NATURE OF THE COMING FAMINE

I. THE NATURE OF THE REFORMATION NEEDED

A. The ten tribes had forsaken the Word of God
1.They left Jerusalem to worship at Dan and Bethel.
2.They created a religion contrary to God’s revealed will.
3.They rejected God’s prophets.
4.Their doctrines and worship no longer agreed with truth.
5.They were destroyed for lack of knowledge.
6.Salvation was sought in outward forms rather than repentance.
7.Their religion was man-made and spiritually empty.
Forsaking the Word of God was the root of all their evils.

B. Before the Reformation of the 1500s
1.Scripture was closed and forbidden.
2.Human authority replaced divine authority.
3.Salvation truths were buried under tradition.
4.Self-righteousness replaced Christ’s righteousness.
5.Indulgences replaced repentance.
6.People were taught salvation could be purchased.
The Reformers cried, Back to the Word of God, and many listened.

C. Today the same departure occurs
1.Churches drift from the Bible.
2.People base salvation on goodness or vague kindness instead of Christ.
3.Some treat church contributions as a substitute for faith and repentance.
4.Scripture is excluded from education, politics, and moral issues.
5.God again calls us back to His Word.

II. THE FAMINE TO BE AVOIDED

A. A definite warning
1.Israel rejected God’s Word; famine came.
2.Europe rejected Scripture; darkness spread until the Reformation.
3.When Scripture is rejected, famine always follows.

B. The famine itself
1.Not a famine of food.
2.A famine of hearing the Word of the Lord.
3.People will listen but not hear God’s voice.
4.Like wartime radio blackouts with only static.
5.This is terrible because man shall not live by bread alone but by every word from God.
6.Saul experienced this famine when God no longer answered him.
7.Where the Word is withheld, spiritual death results.

C. The tragic consequences
1.People wander desperately seeking a word from God, but too late.
2.Young people faint spiritually because their fathers rejected Scripture.
3.They fall before dumb idols they created.
4.There they perish.

D. The present danger
1.God’s Word is despised or ignored today.
2.If America does not return to Scripture, it will perish.
3.If churches do not preach the Bible faithfully, they will die.

CONCLUSION

In the Reformation, returning to the Word of God prevented famine.Had people refused, Europe would be in deep darkness today.Imagine how dark our nation will be if we do not return.When the Word of God is removed, darkness spreads, families crumble, hope dies, souls perish.Reformation or famine.The choice remains.