How can we prepare for a "famine of hearing" God's word today? Setting the Scene in Amos 8:12 • “People will stagger from sea to sea and roam from north to east, seeking the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.” (Amos 8:12) • Israel’s rejection of God’s truth led to a divine judgment: access to that truth would be withdrawn. • The principle stands: when societies despise Scripture, God may allow silence. Preparing now keeps us anchored if that silence spreads. Why a Famine of Hearing Happens • Neglect of Scripture (Hosea 4:6). • Celebration of false teaching (2 Timothy 4:3-4). • Hardened hearts toward obedience (Zechariah 7:11-13). • Judgment on persistent sin (Romans 1:24-25). Warning Signs in Our Day • Biblical illiteracy even among churchgoers. • Entertainment replacing exposition in many pulpits. • Growing hostility toward absolute truth. • Digital overload that crowds out quiet time with God. Daily Habits That Stockpile Spiritual Grain • Unhurried reading: set aside a protected time slot each day; start with one gospel chapter plus one psalm. • Systematic study: follow a reading plan that covers every book; note key doctrines as you go. • Memorization: commit verses to heart—Psalm 119:11; Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy 3:16. • Meditation: pause to repeat a phrase, visualize its setting, pray it back to God. • Immediate obedience: apply one clear action from each reading (James 1:22-25). Guarding the Wells • Test every teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Choose churches and teachers that preach expositionally—verse by verse, honoring context. • Limit voices that dilute or contradict the Bible, even if they are popular. Building a Word-Centered Community • Gather with believers mid-week for shared study; read entire books aloud (1 Timothy 4:13). • Encourage one another with memorized passages (Colossians 3:16). • Start small groups focused on reading, not just discussion. Leveraging Today’s Tools Before They Disappear • Download trustworthy Bible apps and commentaries for offline use. • Keep a printed Bible within reach; underline, annotate, date significant discoveries. • Create a personal notebook of doctrinal summaries and key verses. Passing the Torch • Read the Bible aloud to children nightly (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). • Help them memorize short passages with songs and visuals. • Model decision-making that quotes Scripture naturally. Standing Firm If the Famine Comes • Recall stored verses when public access is restricted (Psalm 1:2-3). • Meet in homes if corporate gathering is hindered (Acts 2:46-47). • Speak the word boldly, even if society is silent (2 Timothy 4:2). Encouragement for the Prepared • “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8) • “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you.” (Colossians 3:16) • Those who treasure Scripture now will have sustaining bread when others hunger. |
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