Domino Effect: When Weakness Hides Behind Strength - Pastor Christopher Coats

This week, we looked at the tragic and powerful life of Samson from Judges 13–16. Like the Surfside condo collapse, Samson’s fall didn’t come from a single moment, but from years of inner erosion. He was chosen by God, set apart as a Nazirite, and gifted with incredible strength. But gifting outpaced his character. He pursued what was "right in his own eyes," ignoring godly wisdom, his Nazirite calling, and God's commands. Small compromises, touching a dead lion, throwing a feast like the world, impulsively choosing relationships, eventually led to spiritual collapse. Yet even at the end, when blind and broken, Samson called out to God, and God used him one last time. His story warns us: charisma without character leads to ruin. But it also offers hope, God still answers those who turn to Him. In Jesus, we have a better Judge, one who never compromised, and who offers new life. Let us guard our hearts and build character that can sustain our calling.