In Amos’ day, the faithful life looked like a grand game of whack-a-mole. The rules were simple; either go along to get along or get whacked. Amos, like other prophets in Israel and Judah, was called to proclaim difficult truths to the people of his day. He also faced times of persecution and rejection. Christians today are often in a similar situation to Amos. As we have been called by Christ to make disciples in all the nations (even the ones who do not want to listen), so we should expect to face our own fair share of resistance.

The Christian life is full of peace. However, it is not the peace we associate with leisure and calm. Instead, the peace of the Christian life is a result of being reconciled to God. Those who lived in Israel during Amos’ ministry pursued a piece of the luxurious life failing to realize they had no peace with God. We must examine our hearts to know what has captivated us. Are we held in awe of God’s grace and mercy or are we constantly seeking after that peaceful easy feeling?

God has made a covenant with His people.  When He pronounces judgment through one of His prophets, it is always in the context of His covenant with His people.  The purpose of the prophet is to remind the people of the stipulations of the covenant and direct the people toward repentance.  Amos, like the rest of the prophets is seeking to bring the people of God to their senses.  We need to take heed of the prophetic words of Scripture in our lives that we might turn away from sin to the Lord before the day of Lord.

Israel’s rejection of God’s Law served as a sign they did not worship Him or serve Him. Their continued failure to repent seals the assessment. Our land seems to be marked by a similar rejection of the Lord. Is there anyway to be delivered or is our “fate” already sealed? Whether the nation repents or is crushed in judgment, believers must continue to look to the Lord.

In the beginning of Amos, it appears as though the world is in total disarray. Even more, it appears that the Lord is going to make the nations pay for their sins. It’s a good thing Israel does not face the same scrutiny, right? Wrong. God’s righteous judgment comes upon all. God’s people need to turn to Him in faith in order to be saved.

The world has tried to silence God’s truth from being declared by God’s people since the time of recorded history. Evidence of governmental interference to prohibit public Bible education in all U.S. funded institutions, such as public schools, colleges, and universities is well known. Today we are experiencing even greater governmental intrusion as churches choose to assemble to worship God. As then, so now, God’s people must not allow God’s message to be muzzled; we must boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ despite any fallout from the world.

In our message today we will make a close examination of 1 Samuel 28. This story is commonly known as “The Witch of Endor” and it’s actually been used to defend necromancy, the supposed practice of communicating with the dead. Was this woman a witch? Did she conjure up Samuel from the dead? Should Christians consult with mediums to speak with the dead? The Bible has much to say about witchcraft, sorcery, and calling upon the dead. Bring your Bible and come explore this fascinating text with me.

The Church longs for Christ’s return. When God’s people are united physically with their Savior to dwell in endless joy truly is something to look forward to. Sadly, however, the day of the Lord will not be pleasant for all. God’s Word tells us that the Day of the Lord will be terrible and awful for those who do not know Christ. Throughout the Scriptures there are warnings both for God’s people and the nations of the world to direct them to repentance and faith. We also must heed these warnings as we seek to live in the world today!

Every parent’s nightmare is teaching their child to drive. Some parents opt out by paying someone else to get into a vehicle with their child. I was too cheap and proud to think someone else could teach my child to drive. However, things did not go as I planned. I can hear me say, “Be Careful!” “You are going to hit something!” Or “Watch where you are going, or you will end up in a ditch!” This is not only true in drivers ed, but in life. God tells us, “Beware!” “Watch!” where we are going, or we will end up where we did not intend to go.

Throughout the history of the Church (and world) people have been interested in prophecy. People have longed to know what the future holds. However, that is not the only purpose Biblical prophecy fulfills. Throughout the Scriptures, Biblical prophets not only foretold events they also forthtold events. This is to say that they interpreted the actions of the people in light of the commands of Scripture. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit they often served as prosecutors highlighting Israel’s infidelity. They do the same for us today.