By Michael C. Mack

Have worship services or group gatherings ever felt like an “inconvenience” to you? If so, when? Why do you think it felt that way? 

Read Amos 8:1-6, 9, 10. 

How is God’s judgment of Israel like a bowl of ripe fruit? 

What descriptions of his judgment did God give? 

Why did God say he would no longer spare the people from his judgment? 

The Sabbath and special holy days had become a bother to God’s people; they couldn’t wait to get back to making money, cheating others to do so. What does this say about their hearts? 

Read 1 Timothy 6:10. How was this verse true for Amos’s audience? 

How have you seen the love of money cause people today to wander from God and his ways? 

What will you change to make God the priority and leader of your everyday life? 

Michael Mack leads church training events and consults with churches through his ministry, Small Group Leadership (www.smallgroupleadership.com).