1. “…you have not returned to Me,” Says the LORD. “Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel; Because I will do this to you, Prepare to meet your God, O Israel! For behold, He who forms mountains, and creates the wind, Who declares to man what his thought is, and makes the morning darkness, Who treads the high places of the earth—The LORD God of hosts is His name.” Amos 4:11-13 Introduction

2. “Prepare to meet your God” This summarizes our task in life Preparing ourselves for the day in which we “meet God” Amos 4:11-13 Introduction

3. All of life is a life of preparation Childhood prepares us for adulthood School prepares us for work Family prepares us for marriage Life prepares us for eternity Hebrews 10:27-28 A Life of Preparation

4. In Spiritual Things… Worship prepares us to see God Study prepares us know God’s will Holiness prepares us to live with God Obedience to God prepares us to stand before Him in judgment 1 Samuel 7:3 A Life of Preparation

5. There are things we need to do in this process. As CHILDREN we need to prepare to be Christian men and women We need to live so that we can be teachers, elders, deacons, and Christian wives and mothers A Life of Preparation

6. There are things we need to do in this process. As TEENAGERS we need to avoid those choices that could impair our future life in Christ We need to set an example for those around us that is sound and worthy of respect A Life of Preparation

7. There are things we need to do in this process. As ADULTS we need to lead lives which focus each day on the imminence of the coming of Christ We need recognize each day that we stand in the presence of God and live as He would have us to A Life of Preparation

8. There are things we need to do in this process. As PARENTS we need to raise children that are godly and who recognize the authority of God We need to help them learn the Bible and see in its pages the guide for all things in life and worship A Life of Preparation

9. There are things we need to do in this process. In MID-LIFE we need not feel a loss from youth gone by There is no time for “mid-fife” crises We must stay focused—our joy, vigor, hope, and vitality rests beyond this life A Life of Preparation

10. There are things we need to do in this process. In OLD AGE we must keep working in the kingdom The young need us whether they know it or not We must not let life and disrespect for age discourage us A Life of Preparation

11. “Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it.” Ralph Waldo Emerson A Life of Preparation

12. Are we preparing ourselves? Do we “remember our Creator” (Ecclesiastes 12:6-7). Do we “lay up treasure in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-21). Do we “fear God” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). A Life of Preparation