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Sermon Title: Don't Count Me Out
Theme for July: Freedom
Scripture Text: Amos 3:12 (KJV)
"Thus saith the Lord; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear..."
Book Connection: Word Up, Chapter 4 – If you have an ear to hear, you can receive God’s Word. If you have a leg to stand on you can walk in faith.
I. INTRODUCTION – GOD SPECIALIZES IN WHAT’S LEFT
Amos gives us a powerful image: a lion attacks a sheep and only two legs and a piece of an ear are recovered. Most would say it's too late—but not God. He specializes in what's left. This month we are focusing on Freedom, and this message reminds us that freedom can begin even with what's left after the attack.
II. EXPLANATION OF AMOS 3:12
- Israel is under judgment due to rebellion.
- God compares His rescue to a shepherd retrieving remains from a lion—an image of hope in loss.
- God shows He can redeem any situation, no matter how broken.
III. SERMON POINTS
1. God Sees Value in What’s Left
- Others see scraps; God sees survivors.
- Illustration: An artist bought a broken violin. After playing it, its value soared. It wasn’t about the condition—it was about who touched it.
2. Don’t Count Me Out Because of My Damage
- The remains may not function, but they are enough for identification and restoration.
- Bible Example: Job lost everything but was restored.
- Story: A woman fled abuse with only her clothes. Today she runs a shelter for survivors.
3. God Can Use What’s Left to Prove His Power
- God needs only a remnant.
- Bible Example: Gideon’s 300 men.
- Freedom Story: African slaves, despite having nothing, birthed a resilient faith community.
4. The Enemy May Devour, But He Can’t Destroy
- The lion attacked, but the covenant remains.
- Illustration: Cross-shaped beam found in the rubble of 9/11—a sign of hope.
5. What You Have Left Is Enough for a Comeback
- An ear = you can still hear God. Legs = you can still stand.
- Bible Example: Peter denied Christ, yet was restored.
- Story: Edison’s lab burned down. He said, “All our mistakes burned up.” He rebuilt better.
6. Freedom Isn’t Always Immediate, But It’s Always Possible
- Even broken beginnings can lead to restored freedom.
- Word Up Chapter 4 Tie-in: When it looks like all you have left is a piece of an ear, it’s still enough for God to move.
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