Sermon 255

SERMON 255 — A FAMINE OF HEARING THE WORD OF THE LORD

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

INTRODUCTION

Amos speaks of a terrible coming judgment: a famine — not of bread or water, but of hearing the Word of the Lord.This famine is the direct result of rejecting God’s Word.It happened to Israel.It nearly happened to Europe before the Reformation.It threatens our own nation today.

SUBJECT: A FAMINE OF HEARING THE WORD OF THE LORD

I. THE ROOT OF THE COMING FAMINE

A. Israel forsook God’s Word
1.They abandoned the place of true worship.
2.They rejected God’s prophets.
3.They invented a religion of their own making.
4.Their doctrine no longer agreed with truth.
5.False prophets multiplied.
6.They trusted in ceremonies instead of obedience and faith.Departing from God’s Word always leads to famine.

B. History repeats itself before the Reformation
1.The Bible was a forbidden and closed book.
2.The Church substituted man’s doctrine for God’s.
3.Human merit replaced Christ’s righteousness.
4.Salvation was commercialized — indulgences for sale.
5.Scripture was no longer the rule of faith and conduct.Reformation became necessary or famine would fall on Europe.

C. Today the same conditions exist
1.The Bible is ignored or despised.
2.People base salvation on human goodness or vague spirituality.
3.Many rely on contributions rather than conversion.
4.God’s Word is disregarded in political, social, and moral issues.Unless there is Reformation, the same famine will come again.

II. THE NATURE OF THE FAMINE

A. Not a famine of food or water
Israel had known such famines before.This famine is far worse.

B. A famine of hearing the Word of the Lord
1.God withdraws His voice.
2.No answer from heaven — even when people desperately seek one.
3.Like a wartime radio blackout — silence, no message, only static.
4.The Word may still be read aloud, but God’s voice is absent.Man cannot live without God’s Word.When it is gone, the soul starves.

C. The tragic results
1.People roam from sea to sea seeking a Word from God — too late.
2.Youth faint from spiritual starvation because their fathers rejected Scripture.
3.They collapse at the feet of their idols.
4.They perish without hope.

III. THE PRESENT THREAT

A. God’s Word is ignored today
1.In the nation, in the schools, in politics, and daily life.
2.In churches where the Bible is no longer preached.
3.In homes where Scripture is not read.

B. Without repentance, famine is inevitable
1.No nation can survive without God’s Word.
2.No church can live without it.
3.No family can thrive in darkness.
4.No soul can be saved apart from it.

CONCLUSION

The Reformation saved Europe from famine because people returned to God’s Word.If our generation refuses, the same famine will come upon us.The darkness deepens, hope dies, and souls perish when the Word of God is removed.Let us return to Scripture — or we will surely face the famine Amos foretold.