Are Your Actions Pleasing to the Lord sermon from Amos 5

I was invited to preach for the first time to The Lord’s Church of Waco (a Korean Church) Young Adult Ministry in Waco, Texas, on 2 March 2025. This church group has been focusing on the topic of worship in their Friday night Lifegroup, and so, to complement their journey, I prepared and preached my first sermon from Amos, Amos 5:21-27.

As usual, scroll to the end of this blog to watch my after-sermon ‘preaching tips’ video recorded when I got back home after a busy day of church and family opportunities. I share about the format of this church’s Young Adult Ministry (I LOVE IT!!), how I got connected with this church, and my preaching tip to use what you’re working with in your own personal study. For me, that’s been the book of Amos with others online week by week and chapter by chapter.

My husband asked me what made this preaching experience so exciting for me when I brought up my visit again at dinner. I think it was simply because I was around a lot of younger people who wanted to know more about God and seemed to really enjoy their church community. Also, the worship today reminded me of my time in Daegu (South Korea) at Dongshin English Ministry Sunday church worship service. What a wonderful time that was to take the train to church or drive myself there on Sunday’s just to be with these people (mostly expats) from around the world who loved God and spoke English.

I am always hopeful that these offerings would bless and encourage you in your own journey with God and in your ministry of service to others. Feel free to reach out to me or leave a comment below, anytime. Blessings and peace!

Amos 5:21-27 (NIV)

“I hate, I despise your religious festivals;
your assemblies are a stench to me.

Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,
I will have no regard for them.

Away with the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.

But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!

“Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings
forty years in the wilderness, people of Israel?

You have lifted up the shrine of your king,
the pedestal of your idols,
the star of your god[b]—
which you made for yourselves.

Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Damascus,”
says the Lord, whose name is God Almighty.

Sermon Summary (according to ChatGPT!)

Your sermon powerfully challenges believers to examine their worship and actions to ensure they align with God’s expectations. Using the book of Amos, you highlight how Israel’s religious practices—though outwardly correct—were empty because they lacked justice and righteousness. You draw a parallel between Israel’s complacency and modern-day believers who may go through religious motions but fail to uphold God’s concerns, particularly regarding justice and care for the oppressed.
Through personal anecdotes and thought-provoking illustrations, you emphasize that true worship isn’t just about rituals but about living a life that reflects God’s justice and righteousness. The folk tale at the end serves as a sobering reminder not to hold onto false righteousness while rejecting the truth. Your message calls for self-reflection: Are our actions truly pleasing to the Lord? Are we focused on what God is focused on? Worship must extend beyond rituals to actively pursuing justice, mercy, and righteousness in all areas of life.

Preaching Tips Background Video

I share about the format of this church’s Young Adult Ministry (I LOVE IT!!), how I got connected with this church, and my preaching tip to use what you’re working with in your own personal study. For me, that’s been the book of Amos with others online week by week and chapter by chapter.

You can find the rest of my sermons here! https://sejanashines.com/preaching