That They May Seek The Lord Acts 15:12-21

Who Was Amos? A shepherd and prophet Prophesied during the days of Uzziah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam II, king of Israel Assyria was an up and coming power

Times Were Bad Luxury for the wealthy…poor neglected (3:12, 15; 5:12; 6:1-7) Corrupt religious practices (4:4; 8:4-6) Hope through a remnant (9:11, 12)

The Nature of God Not just the God of Israel –Hard truth for Israel to accept –In charge of all nations (Daniel 4:25, 34, 35; Acts 17:26)

The Nature of God God is alive and active –Communicated His will (3:7) –Swears by Himself (4:2; 6:8) –Hates hypocrisy in worship (5:21, 22) –Can be influenced (7:3)

The Nature of God Absolute qualities –Omnipotence (4:6-13; 5:8) –Omniscience (4:13) –Omnipresence (9:2, 4)

Relationship With His People Involves responsibility –Israel’s failure to obey (2:9-12) –No longer hearing their prayers (1 Peter 3:12)

Relationship With His People Are to reflect His character –Hate evil, seek good, do justly, etc. (5:14, 15, 24) –Be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:14-16) –Mistreatment of one another –Abominable worship

Relationship With His People Failed their divine purpose –Judgment was coming –Salvation through the remnant (9:11, 12; Acts 15:16-18) –Now have an unshakeable kingdom (Hebrews 12:28)

Lesson #1 Justice is the foundation of society –Blessed or doomed (Proverbs 14:34) –Also needed in the home and church (James 2:1-4, 9)

Lesson #2 Privilege implies responsibility –Acceptance means leaving the world (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) –Disobedience brings a curse

Lesson #3 Worship must be from the heart –Obedience from the heart (Romans 6:16-18) –Mere outward appearance not enough (Matthew 15:9) –Don’t seek men’s approval (Matthew 6:1-5)

Conclusion Are you seeking after God? Are you worshiping Him sincerely?