Hosea
What is it like to hear God’s Word? The Bible offers an array of word pictures to describe such an experience. The voice of the Lord is like “thunder” (Ps 29:3), a “gentle whisper”(1 Ki 19:12), “burning fire” (Jer 23:29), a “shattering hammer” (Jer 23:29), a “piercing sword” (Heb 4:12), and “sweet honey” (Ps 119:103). Hosea 4 gives us an image that is, perhaps, a bit unexpected. The Word of the Lord came to Israel in the form of a lawsuit. The specific language of the text reads a “controversy” or a “contention.” The first three chapters of Hosea’s prophecy envelop the reader in a story of love, betrayal, and pursuit. Now, the scene shifts to a court of law. God has a case against His wayward people. Their covenant relationship with God, like ours, had both legal and relational dimensions. Both had been violated. With the aim of restoring this covenant relationship, God takes the stand and makes His case. As we prepare to hear God’s case from Hosea 4:1-19 this Lord’s Day, may we respond in repentance from sin and faith in Christ.
Join us this week as we continue our study through the book of Hosea. Our Campus Outreach Director, Cam Colquitt, will be preaching, and Ruling Elder Chris Smith will be leading us in worship. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Hosea 4.
Please continue to pray for Pastor Shane Whelan as he enjoys a time of sabbatical and renewal, Pastor Brett Eubank as he serves on a mission trip in El Salvador, and Pastor David Weber as he is away on vacation this week.
As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Wondrous King, All-Glorious,” the Acclamation of Praise, “Tis O Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” and the Hymn of Response “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Hosea 4:1-19
Title: God Has a Case
Outline:
1. God Has a Case with His People. (vv. 1-3)
2. God Has a Case with Their Leaders. (vv. 4-11)