Advent Series - New Hope

Hosea 14

On this Christmas morning, we return to the crux of the Gospel message—there is healing for the broken and hope for the hopeless in Jesus Christ.  Jesus is the Good News that we all want and need.  More powerful than the imagery a prophet marrying a prostitute is the Holy God Himself becoming man to display His faithful, everlasting love.  It isn’t enough that our hearts are warmed through this amazing story; our hearts must return to the One who has given Himself to us.

Advent Series - Jealous God

Hosea 11

Jealousy is an ugly word.  Shakespeare, in Othello, said that “It is the green-eyed monster.” It has overtones of selfishness, suspicion, and distrust as it is possessive, demanding, and overbearing. Yet, the Bible clearly shows God saying that He is a jealous God.  We wonder how a God who is holy, just loving, gracious, merciful, and long-suffering be jealous.  In studying the book of Hosea, we remind ourselves of this important characteristic of God that should lead us to loving Him and being faithful to Him.

Advent Series - Betrothed

Hosea 2:14-23

We are far too wavering and unfaithful when it comes to our love for God. More than we’d like to admit, we are content having casual one night stands with Jesus on days and moments which we choose to be with Him.  We explore deeper the metaphor of marriage that is shared with us in the book of Hosea. Today, we recognize our shortcomings but we want to commit our hearts to Him, we pledge our eternal faithfulness to Him—never wavering or doubting His immense love for us. 

Advent Series - Harlot

Hosea 1:1-2

For this year’s Advent, we will explore through the book of Hosea.  Though it may seem rather unconventional, its main theme of God’s mercy, salvation, redemption, and His endless love is only appropriate for us to contemplate during this season.  God powerfully communicates His love and plan for His beloved nation by allowing prophet Hosea to parallel the experience of marrying a wife who is unfaithful.  Today, we establish the backdrop of how Israel’s harlotry mirrors our depravity before God.