Kitchen Table Theology
Where Coffee, Conversation, and Theology Meet. During my 40 years in ministry, I’ve developed an increasing burden for what I sense to be an increase in biblical illiteracy, not only among those in our churches, but also in the young men and women entering the ministry. Conversely, I am hopeful, because I also sense a hunger from people to learn and know biblical truth and the things of God has revealed to us in Scripture. Our Kitchen Table Theology team has developed a list of over 150 doctrinal topics which I, along with one of my cohosts, Jen Denton or Tiffany Coker, examine weekly. Our goal is to educate and share biblical truth on the same level as if we were sitting at your kitchen table with a Bible and a pot of southern pecan coffee in front of us. Welcome to the table!
Kitchen Table Theology
216 Bible Overview: Amos
When God sees injustice, oppression, and suffering inflicted on the vulnerable, His anger is aroused. This anger is not separate from His love, but an expression of it.
Tiffany Coker and Pastor Jeff Cranston unpack the powerful prophecies of Amos, a humble farmer called to confront corruption in both Israel and surrounding nations. Written around 760-750 BC, Amos's words cut through religious hypocrisy and social injustice with startling relevance for today.
How does God view oppression and injustice? What happens when His patience runs out? Join us as we explore Amos's urgent call for true righteousness.
[00:00 - 03:17] Introduction and Historical Context
- Amos: a shepherd, cattle farmer, and fig grower from Tekoa, 10 miles south of Jerusalem
- Historical context: divided kingdom, prophesied two years before a major earthquake
[03:17 - 07:43] Amos's Unique Prophetic Role
- Addressing both Israel and Gentile nations
- The message was delivered to the Northern Kingdom despite being from Judah
- Confronting Jeroboam II's prosperous but spiritually corrupt reign
[07:43 - 10:28] Structure of the Book of Amos
- Chapters 1-3: Message to the nations surrounding Israel and to Israel
- Chapters 4-6: Messages to Israel and her leaders
- Chapters 7-9: Amos's visions regarding the prophecies
[10:28 - 14:27] God's Judgment on Surrounding Nations
- Syria (Damascus): Condemned for brutal treatment of conquered peoples
- Philistia (Gaza): Rebuked for slave trading and denying human dignity
- Phoenicia (Tyre): Judged for slave trading and breaking treaties
- Edom: Criticized for extreme hostility toward neighboring states
- Ammon: Condemned for using terrorism to expand borders
- Moab: Judged for desecrating the body of Edom's king
[14:27 - 15:37] God's Message to Israel
- Critique of the privileged class for neglecting social justice
- Condemnation of selling the needy, oppressing the poor, and sexual immorality
[15:37 - 20:57] Key Theological Themes
- God's Anger: An expression of His love and concern for the oppressed
- God's Judgment: A tool for instruction and restoration, not just punishment
- Prophetic Authority: Amos's divine calling vs. established religious authority
Direct Quote
"God's anger is not the opposite of God's love. God's anger is an integral part of God's love." – Pastor Jeff Cranston
Resources Mentioned:
- Where Love & Justice Meet: The Truth of Amos for Today by Roy Clements
- NIV, Archaeological Study Bible, Hardcover: An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture
- “Israel’s Earthquake, 8th Century B.C.E. TheTorah.com.” Www.thetorah.com, https://www.thetorah.com/article/israels-earthquake-8th-century-bce
Join the Conversation
We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org.
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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!