God Reviews Israel’s Case (Hosea 13:1-11)

Hosea rehearses the Lord's case against Israel. They have failed him, they have pursued Baal, and they have failed to have an exclusive relationship with the Lord. This prophet is warning us that we might think that we are fine because we can trust in everything other than the Lord. This is why John the Baptist calls Israel to turn away from their confidence and to turn unto Christ. Hosea is fundamentally exhorting God's people to find their contentment and fulfillment in the Lord and His kingdom.

The Eagle Has Turned (Hosea 8:1-14)

The Lord protected his people as an eagle hovering over its young. The Lord saw to it that he continued to protect his people so that they survived their wilderness time. The Lord is the great protecting Eagle. However, the Lord now uses the nations to come against Israel. They are the eagle poised to attack God's people. We might think that God has given up his purpose for his people. However, Hosea gives a subtle reminder that the Lord will use Egypt again to reshape and mould his people.

God’s Exclusive Worship (LD 35; 2 Kings 18:4, 5)

The Lord calls us to worship him exclusively. We can be creative in our worship. We struggle to follow the Lord and to follow him exclusively. We see this in Judah and also note Hezkiah reforming worship.

God’s Exclusive Relationship (LD 34; Eph. 5:5)

We might think that idolatry is something that only other people do. If we are honest, we will see that we are blinded to our own affections and self righteousness. We do not see that there are things in this age, not necessarily sinful things, but things that can distract us from our God. This is why it is so important that we understand we are children of God, and it is because we are redeemed in Christ that we have an exclusive relationship with our God. So, when we are exhorted to discern what is pleasing to the Lord then we are invited to see what things do distract us and to be tender to the things that may distract us from Christ. However, we must always remember that we are beloved children of God and we persevere by His grace and power.

God’s Purpose Will Stand (Zechariah 10:1-12)

The prophet Zechariah gives a warning to the false shepherds. This is pretty scary considering that Joshua is not a perfect priest as we witness the vision in Zechariah 3. The assurance that the prophet gives the Lord's people is to pray and ask God. Zechariah assures us that God does in fact listen to our our prayer and God will provide for us. God desires a people who wrestle with him. We know that God will prevail, and so we seek to conform to his image. We do not make God in our image.

(Sunday August 21, 2022)

Coveting and Idolatry (Ephesians 5:5)

The Apostle Paul gives the warning that if someone covets they are giving into idolatry. If someone gives into idolatry then they do not have the kingdom of God. So, as we all struggle with idolatry does that mean we do not have Christ? If we struggle with coveting does that mean we do not have Christ? How do we proceed to serve the Lord while having this propensity to struggle against his will?

The Absurdity of Idolatry Psalm 90 (LD 34; BC 1)

As Christians we can think that idolatry is only conducting baal worship or something that is forbidden in the Old Testament.  We can think that we do not worship baal or the golden calf so we are free from this sin.  The reality is that we are tempted to trust in many things to sustain us apart from the Lord.  Why is it so absurd to trust in something other than the Lord?

Why Worship One God? (Isaiah 40:18-25 (LD 35)

The second commandment is the command for us to properly worship one God.  When one surveys history there are many nations that have served many gods.  Why do we want to worship one God?  Why would we want to put all of our eggs and hopes in this one basket?

Why Trust in One God? (James 1:17 (LD 34))

There is a famous statement that you do not want to put all your eggs in one basket.  The point is that if you drop that basket it breaks all the eggs leaving you with nothing.  So, it is wiser to distribute your wealth across different baskets.  If this is true then why worship one God?  It would seem to make sense to worship a variety of gods to cover all basis?  Why is it wise to worship one God and live your life in light of HIs promises?

Why Such and Exclusive Feast? (1 Corinthians 10:14-22; 11:28, 29 (LD 30)

When we look at the Lord’s Supper we might think that this is something that is empty or something that we do on Sunday.  Our concern is that this is something that could just be a mere sentimental memory of Christ rather than communing with Christ.  How do we know that this supper is more than that?  How do we see that this supper challenges us to live in an exclusive relationship with the Lord?