God commanded the annual reenactment of the first Passover night as a physical and tangible reminder to all generations of His redemptive power. The seder is a family holiday that holds appeal for young and old alike. Seder means “order,” a fitting term for the sensory-laden rituals that occur in a specific order.

Amos’ ministry concludes with a series of five visions. The first three provide a fascinating insight into the heart of God and the principles we all need to take with us in evangelism.

1. The Word of God should always be accompanied by the Heart of God.

2. If something hasn’t been explained before in scripture, it’s about to be. If it isn’t explained, it already has been.

3. Our participation in the work of God in this world matters.

Samson's greatest military victory against the Philistines did not have a pleasant introduction. He was in his flesh, dominated by his emotions, and caused a lot of problems for himself and those around him before he was double crossed by the very people he was sent to deliver. The only thing that saw him through this kind of opposition and discouragement is the same thing that will see us through any trial we find ourselves in.

1. Your Emotions are good servants but poor masters.

2. God plus one is a majority.

3. God uses imperfect people.

Amos turns his attention rebuking Northern Israel to the bitterness and pride of Southern Israel. By rejoicing in the fact they were being punished, they were sinning just as seriously as they were.

1. Separation between our hearts and God’s is the definition of evil.

2. Pride can’t show, share, or even recognize the heart of God.

3. It’s God’s job to judge people. It’s our opportunity to let Him love them through us.

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Samson is presented with the unblinking eye that only honest history can. We are shown his willingness to compromise his Nazarite vow, his marital relationships, and even his integrity for the sake of pleasure and gain. Yet in spite of Samson being just as fallen and sinful as the rest of us, God used him to accomplish His calling on Samson’s life to the letter.

1. Truth doesn’t sneak.

2. The best part of a life of integrity is that you don’t have anything to hide.

3. God can use you even in spite of you.

Amos concludes his song of lamentation with a perspective check regarding judgment. It’s not something God is eager to do, nor the sort of thing anyone should take lightly. Those who share God’s heart should want to delay it as much as He does. And those who oppose God in general shouldn’t underestimate it when it finally happens.

1. God’s delays in judgment says more about His patience than His approval of our actions.

2. God isn’t eager to punish anyone and we shouldn’t be either.

3. We aren’t promised a tomorrow. Live for Jesus today.

Jesus appears to the parents of Samson to personally deliver the message of how he will serve Him and His people. From this appearance of Jesus, we will learn some very important things about the deity of Christ and how God deals with His people even today.

1. A Word from God will always be verified by the Word of God.

2. There is nothing wrong with seeking confirmation for truth.

3. God loves visiting His people.

You’re Invited to our Easter Services

During the Easter Weekend, we have several opportunities for individuals and families to join in worship and learning with our community.

Good Friday - April 18th

Family Service

6:30 PM

Fellowship Hall Open to Kids

Easter - Sunday, April 20th

SONRISE Service

6:30 AM (No Children’s Service)

Other Easter Sunday Service Times:

9:00 am Adult service and Children’s Service

Amos’ ministry continues with a song that summarized the points he was trying to communicate. By using beautiful things like the stars and the weather as reminders of something greater, Israel was instead using them and their history as means to reject and replace the Creator with the Creation. Yet even in spite of this, God was still reaching out to them and reminding them that they will find Him the moment they start seeking Him from the heart again.

1. Music is something God can use to communicate His Word to us effectively through.

2. If you think living in obedience to God is difficult, try rebellion.

3. If you seek God, you’ll find Him. If you avoid God, He’ll respect your wishes.

Jephthah’s final conflict as a judge of Israel was unfortunately a civil matter. The people of Ephraim made themselves enemies of God’s anointed just like they did during the time of Gideon. And despite every effort to make peace, they refused. What made Jephthah the positive character in history was the fact he pursued it at all.

1. There will always be people who cause problems. The key is to not be one of them.

2. Mercy is shown proportionately to the mercy we know we have been shown.

3. God knows the balance between overwhelming us and spoiling us.