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Skycrest Community Church

Skycrest Community Church

著者: Skycrest Community Church
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Sermons キリスト教 スピリチュアリティ 聖職・福音主義
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  • Books of the Book Week 7
    2025/10/28
    Books of the Book Week 7: Amos and the Plumb Line In this week's sermon, we explored the book of Amos, a minor prophet whose message is as relevant today as it was in ancient Israel. Amos 5:24 is famously quoted in Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech: "Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream." This verse encapsulates the heart of Amos's message—calling for justice and righteousness. The Context of Amos Amos was not a professional prophet; he was a shepherd from Tekoa, a small town in Judah, called by God to deliver a message to the northern kingdom of Israel. At this time, Israel was prosperous, and its people believed their wealth was a sign of God's favor. However, Amos warned that their prosperity was built on injustice and exploitation. The Sins of Israel Amos's message was initially well-received by the Israelites because he began by condemning their enemies. But soon, he turned his attention to Israel itself, highlighting their sins: Amos 2:6-7: "They sell the innocent for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals. They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed." These verses reveal that their wealth was gained through the oppression of the poor and the perversion of justice. Unlike their enemies, Israel's sins were more grievous to God because they violated the special revelation given to them through the Law of Moses. The Plumb Line Vision In Amos 7:1-9, God shows Amos a vision of a plumb line, a tool used to measure the straightness of a wall. This vision symbolized God's standard of righteousness. When God measured Israel against His laws, they were found to be crooked and unjust. Unlike previous judgments, Amos could not intercede for Israel because they had violated the covenant with God. The Responsibility of Revelation The sermon highlighted that as believers, we are in the "given much" category. Luke 12:48 reminds us that "from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded." We have been entrusted with God's Word, and it is our responsibility to live by it. Ignorance of the Word is not an excuse; we are called to study and apply it in our lives. Conclusion Amos's message challenges us to examine our lives against God's plumb line. Are we living justly and righteously? Are we using our resources to uplift others, or are we complicit in systems of oppression? As we approach the holiday season, the sermon also encouraged us to participate in the "Clean Water from Clear Water" initiative, aiming to fund wells in communities without access to clean water by Christmas. The call to action is clear: Let us live out the justice and righteousness that Amos proclaimed, ensuring that our actions align with God's Word. By doing so, we not only honor God but also bring His kingdom closer to earth, as it is in heaven.
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    38 分
  • TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E7
    2025/10/23
    In this episode of "Truth Worth Living," we delve into the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 7, exploring the theme of balance in life. The ancient teachings challenge us to rethink our modern views on righteousness and wickedness, encouraging a pursuit of equilibrium in our daily existence. We discuss the concept of balance, emphasizing that while we often strive for a well-rounded life—encompassing diet, work, and emotional health—the author of Ecclesiastes, known as "The Teacher," offers a different perspective. He notes the unpredictability of life, highlighting that both the righteous and the wicked encounter unexpected outcomes. This leads to the conclusion that extremes—whether excessive righteousness or wickedness—can be detrimental. Key verses from Ecclesiastes 7:15-18 remind us that striving too hard for righteousness or wisdom may not guarantee success and can even lead to disappointment. The Teacher argues that a rational approach encourages moderation rather than extremes, including the careful navigation of moral boundaries. Shifting to a New Testament perspective, we reflect on the Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 3:10-14, where he discusses his passionate pursuit of knowing Christ. This imbalanced devotion, we conclude, is what ultimately leads to abundant life. In summary, while balance is crucial for navigating life under the sun, our greatest truth lies in an unbalanced dedication to Christ, which promises fulfillment now and hope for eternity. Join us as we unpack these insights and consider what it means to live a life focused on Christ amidst life's complexities.
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    8 分
  • TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E6
    2025/10/16
    Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 – Embracing Life's Seasons In our journey through the book of Ecclesiastes, we encounter a profound reflection on the cyclical nature of life. The teacher, often identified as Solomon, offers a contemplative view of the pursuit of happiness and the inevitability of life's seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 provides a poetic exploration of life's dichotomies, emphasizing that every aspect of existence has its appointed time. The Pursuit of Happiness In today's world, the pursuit of happiness is a common endeavor. We often make decisions based on our desire for happiness, sometimes at the expense of long-term well-being. Whether it's acquiring unnecessary material possessions, accumulating debt, or making impulsive life choices, these actions are frequently justified by the desire for immediate gratification. Temporary Nature of Happiness: Happiness, as the teacher notes, is fleeting. Life presents us with both joyous and challenging moments, and the pursuit of happiness alone can leave us feeling empty. Chasing the Wind: The teacher likens the pursuit of happiness to chasing the wind, highlighting its elusive and transient nature. Life's Dichotomies The teacher's poem in Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 serves as a reminder of the dualities within life. It is not a prescription for action but a description of the human experience. We do not control the timing of these events; they unfold as part of the divine order. A Time for Everything: The passage lists various life events, from birth to death, planting to uprooting, weeping to laughing, and mourning to dancing. These events are not within our control, emphasizing the unpredictability of life. Descriptive, Not Prescriptive: Unlike other parts of Scripture that prescribe actions, this passage describes the inevitability of life's seasons, urging us to embrace rather than resist them. Finding Meaning Beyond Happiness The teacher's exploration of life's seasons leads to a deeper understanding of our true yearning—not for temporary happiness, but for eternity. Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us that God “has made everything beautiful in its time” and “set eternity in the human heart.” Eternal Perspective: Our longing is not for the fleeting moments of happiness but for a connection with the eternal. This perspective shifts our focus from immediate gratification to a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with God. Faith in Jesus: Through faith in Jesus, we find victory over life's challenges, whether they bring happiness or sorrow. Conclusion As we navigate the complexities of life, the teachings of Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 offer wisdom and perspective. Life's seasons are beyond our control, yet each moment contributes to the tapestry of our existence. By recognizing the temporary nature of happiness and embracing the eternal, we align ourselves with a truth worth living for. In the words of the teacher, let us turn to God in faith, trusting in His guidance and finding peace in both the happy and unhappy times. This eternal perspective enriches our lives, leading us toward a deeper understanding of our purpose under the sun.
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    7 分
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