PROPHET AMOS

Background to Prophet Amos - Historical and personal context

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Identify the historical background of Prophet Amos. Describe Amos' personal life, occupation, and ministry period. Explain the significance of a Judean prophet sent to Israel. Analyze the reigns of Jeroboam II and Uzziah.

Q/A: Review prophets from previous units. Map work: Locate Tekoa, Israel's boundaries. Discussion: Amos as shepherd and sycamore tree tender. Timeline: Contemporary kings (786-743 BCE Israel, 783-742 BCE Judah). Analysis: Why God sent Judean prophet to Northern Kingdom.

The Bible.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 41-44

PROPHET AMOS

Political and economic background
Social and religious background

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Describe political stability during Jeroboam II's reign. Explain economic prosperity and wealth concentration. Analyze the rising threat of Assyrian empire. Evaluate the gap between rich and poor in Israel.

Bible reading: 2 Kings 14:23-29. Discussion: Jeroboam II as warrior king expanding borders. Analysis: Assyrian threat under Tiglath-Pileser III (745-727 BCE). Case study: Wealth concentrated in cities vs. rural poverty. Q/A: Legal exploitation of peasant farmers.

The Bible.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 42-45

PROPHET AMOS

The call of Amos and confrontation with Amaziah

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Describe the compelling nature of Amos' prophetic call around 758 BCE. Explain Amos' ministry at Bethel shrine. Analyze the confrontation with Amaziah the priest. Evaluate Amos' response about his calling and background.

Bible reading: Amos 1:1, 3:8, 7:10-17. Discussion: Lion's roar metaphor for irresistible divine call. Analysis: Amaziah's accusation and order to leave Israel. Role play: Confrontation between Amos and Amaziah. Q/A: Amos' defense - not professional prophet but called by God.

The Bible.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 46-48

PROPHET AMOS

Lessons from Amos' call and the five visions introduction

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Identify lessons Christians learn from Amos' calling. Explain how God uses ordinary people for extraordinary work. Define vision as medium of divine revelation. Describe the progression of Amos' five visions.

Discussion: Amos as ordinary shepherd called to ministry. Q/A: How students can serve God regardless of status. Explanation: Difference between vision and dream. Overview: Five visions showing progression from mercy to judgment.

The Bible.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 48-50

PROPHET AMOS

Visions of locusts and fire - God's mercy through intercession

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Describe the first vision of locust plague threatening Israel's crops. Explain the second vision of supernatural fire. Analyze Amos' intercession for Israel in both visions. Evaluate God's merciful response to prophetic prayer.

Bible reading: Amos 7:1-6. Discussion: Locusts consuming crops after king's taxation. Analysis: Fire threatening to consume subterranean waters and earth. Q/A: Amos pleading "How can Jacob stand? He is so small!" Compare: Moses' intercession (Exodus 32:11-14).

The Bible.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 49-50

PROPHET AMOS

Visions of plumb line and summer fruits - Inevitable judgment
Vision of altar destruction and modern significance of visions

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Explain the third vision of plumb line and crooked wall. Describe the fourth vision of basket of ripe summer fruits. Analyze the significance of Amos' silence in these visions. Evaluate Israel being "ripe for destruction."

Bible reading: Amos 7:7-9, 8:1-3. Demonstration: Plumb line as builder's tool for checking walls. Analysis: Israel like crooked wall about to collapse. Discussion: Summer fruits as timing metaphor for judgment. Q/A: Why Amos stopped interceding for Israel.

The Bible.
The Bible.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 50-51

PROPHET AMOS

Social justice teachings - Slavery, exploitation, and sexual immorality

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Define social justice and responsibility in biblical context. Describe how poor were enslaved and exploited in Israel. Explain sexual immorality and temple prostitution. Analyze breaking of God's laws on treatment of fellow Israelites.

Bible reading: Amos 2:6-8. Discussion: Selling righteous for silver, needy for sandals. Analysis: Legal exploitation through debt and land seizure. Description: Temple prostitution and sexual sins. Q/A: How covenant brotherhood was violated.

The Bible

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 53-56

PROPHET AMOS

Breaking laws on pledges, bribery, and corruption

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Explain God's laws on garments taken as pledges. Describe corruption in law courts and bribery practices. Analyze how rich violated lending laws for profit. Evaluate the breakdown of justice system in Israel.

Bible reading: Exodus 22:26-27, Deuteronomy 24:10-13, Amos 5:10-15. Discussion: Why poor person's garment shouldn't be kept overnight. Analysis: How elders took bribes and perverted justice. Q/A: Examples of oppression in city gates and courts. Modern application: Current corruption in Kenya.

The Bible.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 56-57

PROPHET AMOS

Greed, luxury, and cheating in business
Relevance of social justice teachings for Christians today

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Describe excessive luxury of rich at expense of poor. Explain false security of wealthy leaders. Analyze cheating practices by merchants and traders. Evaluate violations of fair business laws.

Bible reading: Amos 4:1-3, 6:1-8, 8:4-6. Discussion: Rich women compared to "cows of Bashan". Analysis: Leaders sitting "at ease" feeling "secure". Description: False scales, overcharging, poor quality goods. Q/A: Merchants eager to end religious festivals for business.

The Bible.
The Bible.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 57-59

PROPHET AMOS

Hypocritical religion - External observance without inner piety

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Describe worship practices at Bethel and Gilgal. Explain the problem of ritual without righteousness. Analyze how worshippers combined ceremony with injustice. Evaluate God's rejection of hypocritical worship.

Bible reading: Amos 4:4-5, 5:21-27. Discussion: Difference between true and false worship. Analysis: Why God hated feasts and rejected sacrifices. Q/A: Worship of idols alongside Yahweh. Comparison: Proper vs. hypocritical worship practices.

The Bible.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 61-63

PROPHET AMOS

God's demand for justice and relevance for Christians

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Explain Amos' call for justice flowing like waters. Describe what true religion means according to Amos. Analyze relationship between worship and social behavior. Evaluate how Christians can avoid insincere worship.

Bible reading: Amos 5:24 - "Let justice roll down like waters". Discussion: True worship involving whole life commitment. Analysis: Connection between ritual and ethical behavior. Q/A: Ensuring worship reflects genuine faith. Case study: Examples of authentic Christianity.

The Bible.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 63-65

PROPHET AMOS

Judgment on surrounding nations

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Explain God's judgment on Syria, Philistia, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab. Describe specific crimes committed by each nation. Analyze the "three transgressions and four" formula. Evaluate God's universal moral demands on all peoples.

Bible reading: Amos 1:3-2:3. Discussion: War crimes, slave trading, treaty breaking. Map work: Locate nations mentioned in judgments. Analysis: God's moral standards apply to all nations. Q/A: Universal nature of divine justice.

The Bible

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 65-67

PROPHET AMOS

God's judgment on Israel and Judah
Forms of punishment and call for repentance

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Describe God's judgment pronounced on His chosen people. Explain why Israel would receive heavier punishment. Analyze Israel's specific sins inviting judgment. Evaluate privilege and responsibility of divine election.

Bible reading: Amos 2:4-16, 3:1-2. Discussion: Why Israel least expected judgment. Analysis: Greater punishment for greater privilege. List: Israel's sins (idolatry, injustice, immorality, hypocrisy). Q/A: Accountability of chosen people.

The Bible.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 67-68

PROPHET AMOS

Relevance of judgment teachings for Christians

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Explain relevance of Amos' judgment message for Christians. Describe God's universal moral expectations today. Analyze balance between divine judgment and mercy. Evaluate how Christians should face challenges with hope.

Discussion: God's judgment applies to all nations today. Analysis: Christian responsibility for righteous living. Q/A: Learning from exile for facing modern challenges. Application: Trusting God's sovereignty in difficulties. Reflection: Personal and national accountability.

The Bible.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 71-72

PROPHET AMOS

Israel's election - Concept, misunderstanding, and God's universal activity

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Define biblical concept of election and covenant relationship. Explain Israel's misunderstanding of divine favor. Describe God's work among all nations. Analyze God's freedom to choose and reject peoples.

Bible reading: Amos 2:9-11, 3:1-2, 9:7. Discussion: Election for service, not privilege. Analysis: "Are you not like Ethiopians to me?" Q/A: God bringing other peoples to their lands. Comparison: True vs. false understanding of election.

The Bible. Covenant relationship info. Chart of God's universal activity. Election concepts comparison.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 72-74

PROPHET AMOS

Relevance of election for Christians

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Explain Christians as New Israel, chosen people. Describe Christian election and responsibilities. Analyze dangers of presuming on God's favor. Evaluate moral obligations of Christian calling.

Bible reading: 1 Peter 2:9. Discussion: Christians as "chosen race, royal priesthood". Analysis: Election brings responsibility, not just privilege. Q/A: How Christians should understand their calling. Application: Living up to election responsibilities.

The Bible.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 74-75

PROPHET AMOS

The Day of the Lord - Expectations vs. reality
Relevance of Day of the Lord for Christians

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Describe Israel's expectations of Day of the Lord. Explain Amos' reversal of popular hopes. Analyze the Day as darkness rather than light. Evaluate cosmic signs and universal mourning.

Bible reading: Amos 5:18-20, 6:3-5, 8:7-13. Discussion: Popular expectation vs. Amos' warning. Analysis: Day of terror for rich oppressors. Metaphor: Escaping lion to meet bear and snake. Description: Eclipse, earthquake, mourning customs.

The Bible.
The Bible. .

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 75-77

PROPHET AMOS

The remnant concept and restoration promises

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Define remnant as faithful survivors of judgment. Explain Amos' teaching about sieving Israel. Describe restoration of Davidic kingdom. Analyze material prosperity in restored land.

Bible reading: Amos 9:8-15. Discussion: Remnant as grain vs. chaff in sieve. Analysis: Restoration under new Davidic king. Description: Great harvests, rebuilt cities, return from exile. Example: Elijah and 7,000 faithful to God.

The Bible.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 78-80

PROPHET AMOS

Relevance of remnant teaching for Christians

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Explain Christians as faithful remnant through grace. Describe hope for righteous while sinners face judgment. Analyze God's preservation of faithful witnesses. Evaluate Christian role in world redemption.

Bible reading: Romans 11:5. Discussion: Christians as remnant chosen by grace. Analysis: Hope that only unrepentant perish. Q/A: God's faithfulness through faithful people. Application: Christians as witnesses to world.

The Bible.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 80-81

PROPHET AMOS

Synthesis of Amos' major teachings
Contemporary applications and Christian discipleship

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Synthesize social justice, hypocritical religion, judgment, election themes. Evaluate balance between judgment and hope in Amos. Analyze interconnection of all prophetic themes. Assess Amos' contribution to prophetic tradition.

Review: All major themes and their relationships. Discussion: How judgment leads to purification and restoration. Analysis: Amos' influence on later prophets. Q/A: Continuing relevance for modern Christians.

The Bible.

KLB Secondary CRE Form 3, Pages 82-84

NEHEMIAH

Background to Nehemiah - Political context

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Outline the political situation during Nehemiah's time
Explain the Persian conquest of Babylon
Describe the three waves of return from exile
Identify key Persian kings and their policies
Analyze the impact of Persian rule on Judah

Bible reading: Nehemiah 1:1-4, 2:1-10
Historical narration: Persian Empire expansion
Timeline study: Cyrus, Darius, Artaxerxes reigns
Map work: Persian Empire territories
Discussion: Return from exile in phases
Q/A: Persian policy toward subject peoples
Character introduction: Nehemiah as cup-bearer

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 106-109

NEHEMIAH

Background to Nehemiah - Socio-economic and religious context

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Describe the socio-economic conditions of exiles in Babylon
Explain the religious practices during exile
Identify challenges faced by returnees
Analyze the integration of exiles into Babylonian society
Evaluate the preservation of Jewish identity

Bible reading: Jeremiah 29:4-7, Psalm 137
Discussion: Life in exile vs life in Judah
Analysis: Economic opportunities for deportees
Q/A: How Jews preserved their faith in exile
Comparison: Exiles vs "poor of the land"
Study: Religious practices without Temple
Reflection: Maintaining faith in foreign land

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 109-113

NEHEMIAH

Nehemiah's call and mission

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Describe Nehemiah's position as cup-bearer
Explain the news that moved Nehemiah to action
Analyze Nehemiah's response to the crisis
Identify the king's permission and provisions
Evaluate Nehemiah's diplomatic skills

Bible reading: Nehemiah 1:1-2:10
Character study: Nehemiah's background and role
Discussion: The broken wall and gates of Jerusalem
Analysis: Nehemiah's emotional response
Q/A: Significance of cup-bearer position
Role play: Nehemiah approaching the king
Evaluation: Divine calling vs human initiative

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 113-117

NEHEMIAH

Prayer in the life of Nehemiah - Characteristics and occasions
Importance of prayer in Christian life

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Identify occasions when Nehemiah prayed
Describe characteristics of Nehemiah's prayers
Explain the content of his confession prayer
Analyze the role of fasting in his prayer life
Evaluate prayer as preparation for action

Bible reading: Nehemiah 1:5-11, 4:4-9, 6:9
Analysis: Structure of Nehemiah's prayers
Discussion: Prayer and fasting combination
Q/A: Confession of national sins
Study: Praise, confession, petition in prayer
Comparison: Different types of prayers by Nehemiah
Personal reflection: Learning from Nehemiah's prayer life

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 113-116

NEHEMIAH

Nehemiah's leadership - Qualities and characteristics

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Identify Nehemiah's leadership qualities
Describe his diplomatic and organizational skills
Explain his ability to mobilize people
Analyze his courage and determination
Evaluate his selfless service

Bible reading: Nehemiah 2:11-20, 4:13-23
Character analysis: Leadership traits
Discussion: Nehemiah's inspection of the wall
Q/A: Mobilization techniques used
Case study: Dealing with opposition
Analysis: Division of labor in wall building
Comparison: Modern leadership vs Nehemiah's style

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 117-121

NEHEMIAH

Problems experienced by Nehemiah

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Describe opposition from external enemies
Explain internal conflicts among the Jews
Identify attempts to harm Nehemiah personally
Analyze socio-economic problems faced
Evaluate Nehemiah's solutions to these problems

Bible reading: Nehemiah 4:1-23, 5:1-13, 6:1-14
Character study: Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem
Discussion: External opposition and ridicule
Analysis: Internal exploitation and debt problems
Q/A: Plots against Nehemiah's life
Problem-solving study: Nehemiah's responses
Modern application: Handling opposition in leadership

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 121-125

NEHEMIAH

Lessons Christians learn from Nehemiah's experiences and leadership

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Apply Nehemiah's faith and courage to modern Christian life
Explain lessons about prayer and planning
Identify qualities needed for Christian leadership
Evaluate Nehemiah's example for contemporary leaders
Encourage commitment to faithful service

Discussion: Nehemiah's example for modern Christians
Group work: Leadership lessons for church and society
Case studies: Modern leaders following Nehemiah's example
Q/A: How to combine prayer with action
Personal reflection: Areas for leadership development
Action planning: Serving God in modern context
Commitment session: Faithful leadership pledge

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 125-127

THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

Renewal through the Mosaic Law - Ezra reads the law
The Feast of Booths and community response

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Describe the gathering for reading the law
Explain the community's response to the law
Identify the role of Ezra in restoration
Analyze the significance of public law reading
Evaluate the people's emotional response to God's word

Bible reading: Nehemiah 7:72b-8:12
Discussion: Importance of the seventh month in Jewish calendar
Character study: Ezra as teacher and scribe
Q/A: Why people wept when hearing the law
Analysis: Community participation (men, women, children)
Reflection: Response to God's word today
Demonstration: Public reading of scripture

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 128-130

THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

The Renewal of the Covenant - Prayer and confession

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Describe the community's prayer of confession
Explain the historical recital in the prayer
Identify elements of praise and confession
Analyze God's faithfulness vs Israel's unfaithfulness
Evaluate the role of Levites in leading worship

Bible reading: Nehemiah 9:1-37
Analysis: Structure of the confession prayer
Timeline study: God's dealings with Israel from creation to exile
Discussion: Fasting, sackcloth, and ashes as signs of repentance
Q/A: Why confession preceded covenant renewal
Character study: Role of Levites in worship
Personal reflection: Elements of true confession

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 130-131

THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

Agreement and provisions of the covenant

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Identify who entered into the covenant agreement
Explain the specific provisions of the agreement
Describe obligations regarding marriage with foreigners
Analyze Sabbath and holy day observance requirements
Evaluate temple support and tithing commitments

Bible reading: Nehemiah 10:1-40
List study: People who signed the agreement
Analysis: Specific covenant obligations
Discussion: Separation from foreign marriages
Q/A: Temple support and firstfruits offerings
Comparison: Old covenant vs New covenant obligations
Modern application: Christian commitment and dedication

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 131-132

THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

Dedication of the wall and community celebration
Nehemiah's reforms - Separation from foreigners and temple reform

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Describe the wall dedication ceremony
Explain the procession and musical celebration
Identify the role of priests and Levites
Analyze the community's joy and thanksgiving
Evaluate the significance of completing the wall

Bible reading: Nehemiah 12:27-43
Description: Grand procession on the wall
Discussion: Purification of people, gates, and walls
Q/A: Why two processions moved in opposite directions
Analysis: Role of music and singing in worship
Study: Participation of women and children
Celebration planning: Modern dedication ceremonies

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 133

THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

Nehemiah's reforms - Sabbath observance and marriage policies

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Describe violations of Sabbath observance
Explain Nehemiah's measures to protect the Sabbath
Identify problems with mixed marriages
Analyze the language issue in mixed marriages
Evaluate Nehemiah's enforcement methods

Bible reading: Nehemiah 13:15-31
Discussion: Commercial activity on Sabbath
Analysis: Nehemiah's warning about God's wrath
Q/A: Why children couldn't speak Hebrew
Study: Solomon's example regarding foreign wives
Debate: Cultural preservation vs integration
Modern application: Sabbath observance for Christians

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 134-136

THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

Comparison with Jesus' life and contemporary application

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Compare Nehemiah's prayerfulness with Jesus' prayer life
Contrast Nehemiah's exclusivism with Jesus' inclusiveness
Analyze similarities in reforming temple worship
Evaluate differences in handling opposition
Apply lessons for modern Christian leadership and community

Bible readings: Luke 6:12, 11:1-13, Matthew 21:12-13
Comparison chart: Nehemiah vs Jesus
Discussion: Prayer as preparation for ministry
Analysis: Temple cleansing by both leaders
Q/A: Different approaches to community boundaries
Case studies: Modern Christian leadership challenges
Action planning: Building inclusive Christian communities
Commitment: Faithful leadership in contemporary context

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 136-139