We’re at ACTS 14.
Let’s go!
Author: Scott Heitshusen (Page 44 of 105)
I desire faithful love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God instead of entirely burned offerings.
Hosea 6:6 (ceb)
God commands Hosea to marry a “wife of whoredom” and have “children of whoredom.” And the children’s name are…harsh.
Yikes!
But God is using the prophet to show Israel how they are acting and what the results of their actions are in regard to their relationship with Him.
Bad. Unfaithful. Idolatrous. Deserving, not only divorce, but death.
But there is hope, because where Israel (and we) is unfaithful, God continues to be faithful. And that is what saves!
Thank God for His faithfulness amidst our lack of it!
SCRIPTURES
- Hosea 1:2 —3:5
- Hebrews 13:4
The young women under 40 group is on hiatus, at least until the Fall, 2023.
Check back then for more information.
Families, want to have some special time together and grow closer to God?
Join us for a special Bible study for families this summer!
We’ll be covering the parables and will meet in the café from 6:30 – 8:00 PM on select Monday evenings.
Details:
| WHAT | Bible Study on the Parables |
| WHO | Families |
| DATES | June 19, 26, July 10, 17, 24, 31 August 7 |
| TIME | 6:30 – 8:00 PM |
| LOCATION | LifeBridge Café |
| CONTACT | Angie Wolfe |
See you there!
I desire faithful love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God instead of entirely burned offerings.
Hosea 6:6 (ceb)
Hosea is the first of “The Book of the Twelve” or the “Minor Prophets” (though not chronologically first).
It shares a shocking command from God for the prophet in regard to his family in the first three chapters and then a series of collected “sermons,” warning Israel of God’s coming punishment and their exile; pleading with them to repent.
Yet they won’t and what is prophesied will come to pass.
Yet, even then, God’s love and grace will prevail and restoration will take place.
Through it all, God is good and faithful, even if His people aren’t.
SCRIPTURES
- Hosea 1:1
- 1 John 1:8-10
Pentecost is an amazing day in the life of the Church!
A day we celebrate when Jesus fulfilled His promise to send the Holy Spirit, pouring Him out “on all flesh,” reversing the curse of the Towel of Babel; joining believers in the Holy, united mission of the Gospel.
It is a day when the promise of salvation is promised for “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord” for salvation!
What a wonderful day! What a wonderful celebration!
“Thank, You, Lord, and grant that Your Spirit, poured out on me, flows through me to ‘all flesh!’”
Scriptures
- Psalm 25:1-15
- Acts 2:1-21
First Peter speaks a lot about suffering; the suffering of Jesus and suffering for the sake of Jesus.
Today is no different.
That doesn’t seem comforting or a reason to rejoice; but that is precisely what God tells us to do, for rejoicing in suffering leads to rejoicing in His glory!
That is the end goal: to share in His glory! To share in the blessedness that is to come. To share in the everlasting joy that is ours in and through faith in Jesus!
Knowing that is the ultimate outcome, it is far easier to endure the trials and sufferings – no matter how bad – for the sake of Jesus!
So we can endure suffering. We can live humbly. We can live sober lives. We can resist the devil. We can do it all, for the revealed glory everlasting!
Scriptures
- 1 Peter 4:12-19
- 1 Peter 5:6-11
I desire faithful love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God instead of entirely burned offerings.
Hosea 6:6 (ceb)
Hosea is one of those Bible books that often gets overlooked. There are some difficulties in it and, like most prophets, some of the things he has to say, well, don’t sound nice!
It’s as if what God has to say isn’t what we want to hear!
But it is something we need to hear – and then obey!
Hosea speaks to a people who have been grossly unfaithful to God, “whoring” after other gods and nations; being appallingly unfaithful in every way to the God to loves them.
He also warns Israel of the coming disaster – being conquered and deported to Assyria.
Yet, the story does not end in Assyria, but with the assurance of a coming Messiah, through Whom God’s loving covenant will be renewed – forever!
Our faithlessness as a people and as the Christian Church has plenty to heed from what God says through Hosea. Although we do not fear deportation again, we are called to be faithful in our love and commitment to God and His good, righteous Word and Law!
May we be so faithful!
Thank You, Lord God, for Your faithful and never-ending love for us!
Join us, starting June 4, 2023!
