We conclude Amos.

In Amos' 9th chapter, we still have a few questions to settle, viz.

1. From last time: Which is the greater trouble, earthquake or famine of God's word?
2. The LORD denied the promised land an entire generation of Israelites after they exited Egypt. How does Israel's murmuring in Amos 9:10 compare to their attitude in Exodus?
3. In v. 11, we see the word "breaches" in a wall. What would be the breaches in the Church?
4. Is the nation of Israel doomed?
5. How is the prophecy of Amos applicable to our present situation?

Let's sort these out and dive into the perfect Law of freedom this morning.

Who is Raphael?

Each of the primary stories in the book of Tobit involves the angel Raphael. Here are some questions by which we can perhaps advance our reading and take a glimpse into the identity and nature of this angel of God:

1. In ch. 9, Raphael has a specific mission to Rhages. What two actions of Raphael are pivotal to the entire book of Tobit?
2. When Tobit and his wife despair of seeing their son again, in ch. 10, their behavior has a bit of resemblance to one of Jesus' parables. Which parable?
3. In ch. 11, Raphael plans with Tobias on their return to Nineveh, saying, "Let us hurry on ahead of your wife to prepare the house while the rest of the party are still on the way." Where in the new testament does one see similar concepts?
4. What is the problem with Tobit's grateful payment plan for Rapahel, as mentioned in vv. 1-5 of chapter 12?

We will drink coffee and discuss these questions today in Men's Bible Study.

One question

There are a lot of lessons in Hebrews 11, but for tomorrow morning, only one question to start things off:

1. Look at all the heroes of faith in this chapter:
   1. Abel
   2. Enoch
   3. Noah
   4. Abraham
   5. Isaac
   6. Jacob
   7. Sarah
   8. Joseph
   9. the parents of Moses
   10. Moses himself
   11. Joshua at the walls of Jericho
   12. Rahab the prostitute
   13. Gideon
   14. Barak
   15. Samson
   16. Jephthah
   17. David
   18. Samuel
   19. the prophets
   There is something special about Abel. There's something about his life that cannot be said of any of the others. Also, the words in this chapter attached to Abel have a subtle difference compared to the words used with all the other heroes. Can you spot the differences?

Unfinished business

We concluded last Thursday with a homework assignment: Where during Mass do we mention the saints of God, and why?

This is related to our unfinished question:

1. John mentions confidence again, in v. 11. How is this confidence different or related to the confidence John mentions in 1 John 2: 28 and 1 John 4:17?