Walk with the Word Amos Study Guide: Personal Edition

This is not a commentary, but a series of Bible studies employing the Inductive Study Approach in order to arrive at a knowledge of how the text should be personally applied to one's life. Formatted in a question and answer format, it facilitates the process of observation-what does the text say, interpretation-what does the text mean, and the ultimate goal of application-how should I personally apply the text to my life.What may be most relevant about the book of Amos is how closely the times and situation of that time mirror what is taking place in the Church-at least, the Western Church, at present. Without ever using the term, this is a very deep and parallel teaching on the meaning of "apostasy"-those who have fallen away spiritually from what at one time they embraced. In far too many congregations, organizations and even denominations, the authentic practices and teachings of God's Word have been replaced even while the terms and labels have been retained; what is called "worship" has become entertainment; what is called "religion" is a host of variations on self-indulgence and personal pleasure. The names and terms and labels are all used to call it "Christianity" or even "Evangelicism", but such fall short of the true, biblical definitions, while the proof of the people's shortfalls are evident in the stark absence of the required spiritual fruit. "Christian" has become little more than a demographic as their actual behavior can no longer be distinguished from, and at times is even more egregious, than their non-believing secular counterparts. Amos is one of the most relevant historical patterns being replayed at present and provides an inside look into the working and nature of the apostasy already incipiently underway which characterizes the early stages of the Last Days.Now as then, the repeated call has gone out of the imminent return of the Lord, but those most familiar with the message do not merely continue unchanged, but are frequently found to actually twist it into something more palpable for their own pleasure. This is a picture of stubborn willfulness to cling to whatever pleases one's self no matter what, of possessing the Word but choosing to ignore or twist it, not of a people completely ignorant of God's Word and ways. It would be like a generation who knew exactly what Noah was doing and what was coming, but ignoring the rain and rising water even up to the point where God's hand shut the door. Amos provides devastating insight into the working of those who know better, but still don't really care, a large slice of the modern Church with whom we find ourselves struggling with today.