Where Is Your Security?
Introduction: Finding Real Security
Pastor Abel Rivera begins his sermon with a greeting and an invitation to reflect on the concept of “security”—not just in material or earthly terms, but in our spiritual lives. Drawing from his own experiences growing up in Hispanic churches, and seeing the challenges of connecting different generations to the Gospel, Rivera establishes a relatable foundation for everyone searching for stability and assurance.
Understanding the Book of Amos: False Security in Prosperity
Diving into the Book of Amos, Pastor Rivera sets the scene: during the reign of Jeroboam, the northern kingdom of Israel was enjoying prosperity, military strength, and abundant religious activity. Outwardly, everything seemed secure. Yet, Amos delivers a message from God: Israel’s confidence was misplaced. Their wealth, power, and rituals were built on shaky ground because their hearts had turned away from the Lord.
Rivera draws a striking parallel to the early 1900s and the Titanic—the "unsinkable" ship whose fate became a cautionary tale of misplaced trust in human achievement. Just as the ship sank, so too does any security placed in things that cannot truly save.
Key Sermon Point:
“All security apart from Christ is an illusion. Only in him is there true salvation and eternal life.”
False Security Will Be Destroyed
Referencing Amos 3:11–12, Rivera explains how God warns Israel that an adversary will bring down their defenses and strongholds. The pastoral imagery of a shepherd retrieving scraps from a predator is a vivid illustration: not of salvation, but devastation. God’s chosen people had assumed their status and rituals guaranteed protection, but their destruction would be so complete that only remnants would remain.
“God is punishing Israel because He loves them… When we correct our children, it’s because we want them to turn away from harm.”
Rivera urges listeners to reflect: “What gives you a sense of security? Is it Christ alone, or do you rely on your bank account, career, or relationships?” He reminds us with Matthew 6:19–21 to hold earthly blessings loosely and build our lives on the eternal, not the temporary.
The Sandcastle Analogy: Building on Temporary Foundations
Using a relatable image, Rivera describes a child building a sandcastle on the beach—proud of their work, but unable to prevent the tides from washing it away. This captures the futility of building our lives on anything but Christ. He references Jesus’ teaching about the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24–27: “Only those who stand on Christ, the solid rock, will remain unshakable.”
Empty Worship Will Be Exposed and Judged
Amos 3:13–15 and 4:4–5 show God’s displeasure with empty, routine-driven worship. The Israelites performed sacrifices and attended festivals, but their hearts were far from God. Rivera compares this to a counterfeit bill—deceptively real but ultimately rejected when truly examined.
“God isn’t deceived by forms of worship. He weighs the heart.”
He cautions against living a double life—acting devout in church, yet living contrary elsewhere. True worship comes from a heart transformed by the Gospel, not from routines or outward appearances. Citing Psalm 51, he encourages a broken and contrite heart that God will not despise.
Injustice Brings Certain Judgment
Amos 4:1–3 calls out those who seek power and comfort at the expense of others. Rivera passionately insists that the way we treat the vulnerable reflects our relationship with God, quoting Philippians 2:5–7: Jesus, though all-powerful, chose to serve and sacrifice, laying down His life for His sheep.
“Power is never meant to elevate self. It is meant to glorify God by serving others.”
Rivera contrasts Israel’s misuse of power with Jesus’ humility and mercy. "While Israel used their powers to oppress… Jesus laid His aside, took the form of a servant, and went to the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.”
Where Is Your Security Placed?
Rivera closes with a powerful challenge:
“If you are trusting in anything other than Christ… you are standing on sand. You will sink, you will be destroyed. But today you can turn to Jesus.”
He invites everyone to place their security fully in Christ, leading to honest worship, just living, and sacrificial love. The temptation to seek security in pride, possessions, or performance persists, but only in Christ do we find “salvation, peace, and eternal life.”
Final Prayer
Rivera ends his sermon with a heartfelt prayer, asking for forgiveness for misplaced trust and empty worship, and thanking God for the warning to lead us back to Him. He petitions for clean hearts and sincere lives, rooted in the Savior, reminding us that “all security apart from you is an illusion.”
Conclusion:
Where is your security? Pastor Abel Rivera’s sermon on Amos invites deep introspection, urges repentance, and redirects our reliance toward Jesus Christ as the only firm foundation. In a world of fleeting assurances, we are called to build our lives on the eternal Rock.
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Feel free to share or reflect further on this message with your community and loved ones—this is a timeless exhortation to reexamine where your security truly lies.
