How Can I Give You Up? Hosea 11:1-11 Oct. 26, 2008 Peace Fellowship Sermons Rev. Dennis Edwards, MDiv, MA, PhD
Listen to streaming audio
October 26, 2008
October 24, 2008
Study Questions: How Can I Give You Up?
(Hosea 11:1-11)
This week's questions:
1. In this week's passage, we get a different glimpse into the nature of God's love for His people. Instead of matrimonial love, He now likens His relationship to Israel as a father to a son (v. 1). Considering this parental love, what do parents do for their children? What do children do to/for their parents? What is the essence of the parent-child relationship? Why do you think Hosea is drawing from this type of relationship (parent to child) as opposed to sticking with the matrimonial imagery?
2. In verse seven, God indicts His people. He said that they did not truly honor Him. In fact, we could surmise that the opposite is true. Most of Hosea's prophecy tells of how God's people dishonored Him. Nevertheless, what is true honor? Are there ways that we dishonor God, individually and collectively? Discuss. In practical matters, how can we truly honor God?
3. Through Hosea's message, God promises not to totally destroy ancient Israel even though they have dishonored Him (vv. 8 & 9). He sees a day when there will be reconciliation between the two parties (vv. 11, 12). What might that fact be telling us about God's love for His people? Does it mean that we will not be punished for sin? Is God bluffing? What are ways that we can attempt to not take advantage of God's mercy?
October 19, 2008
Sermon Audio: The Biggest Loser
The Biggest Loser
Philippians 3:8-9
Oct. 19, 2008
Peace Fellowship Sermons
Arturo Gabedon
Listen to streaming audio
October 12, 2008
Sermon Audio: Like Finding Fresh Grapes in the Desert: God's Sweet Love
Harvesting a Hurricane
Hosea 7:1-8:14
Oct. 5, 2008
Peace Fellowship Sermons
Rev. Dennis Edwards, MDiv, MA, PhD
Listen to streaming audio
October 11, 2008
Study Questions: Like Finding Grapes in the Desert: God’s Sweet Love
Hosea 9 & 10
This week's questions:
1. Last week we discovered how the Israelites were adamant about doing things their own way; even to their detriment. Among the vile and heinous leaders that we discovered earlier (4: 8 & 5: 1), there were presumably a few voices (i.e prophets) who were trying to remind the people to follow the God of their forefathers. Unfortunately, the Israelites were a stubborn people. Hosea said that the people were so treacherous that they sought to harm and ambush their prophets (see 9: 8). Though you may never have sought to assassinate a religious or spiritual leader, can you think of a time when you stubbornly refused to heed the instruction of your spiritual leader(s)? Were there any consequences to your decision? In a broader sense, have you ever witnessed a group of people who were adamantly opposed to their leader? Discuss.
2. This week's passage evokes certain images in the reader/recipient. In 9: 10, God, initially,likened his relationship to Israel to fresh grapes in the desert. On the other hand, after unwavering disobedience on Israel's part, Hosea depicts a rather laborious set of circumstances for God's people (10: 11). What are the differences of these two perspectives of God on His people? How might we compare it to romantic love in its infancy? How might we compare it to marital love after betrayal? In what ways have we been faithful to God? In what ways do we need to grow in our faithfulness?
3. Last week our Pastor mentioned 'syncretism' in the sermon. In simplistic terms, it is a mixing of religious practice. Therefore, God's people were guilty of sharing their loyalty with Him and other deities. This week, we see that they were punished for this sin. In our contemporary American context, are there any ways that our faith could be construed as syncretistic? Consider the capitalistic ethic. In a personal sense, is there anyone or anything that we have given unhealthy allegiance to?
October 5, 2008
Sermon Audio: Harvesting a Hurricane
Harvesting a Hurricane
Hosea 7:1-8:14
Oct. 5, 2008
Peace Fellowship Sermons
Rev. Dennis Edwards, MDiv, MA, PhD
Listen to streaming audio
October 4, 2008
Study Questions: Harvesting a Hurricane
Hosea 7-8
This week's questions:
"They look everywhere except to heaven, to the Most High." (Hosea 7:16 NLT)
1. Without question, ancient Israel incurred a horrendous set of consequences due to their rebellion and their refusing to acknowledge God. From Hosea's prophecy we are able to sense some of the affliction that encumbered the people. Briefly review the first six chapters. In what ways have we already seen how the Israelites sought to do things their own way or take matters into their own hands? How have they ignored God? Discuss the futility of their practices.
2. Unfortunately, the situation in chapters seven and eight does not get any better. In the time of their affliction, the prophet said the people sought alliances with the foreign nations Egypt and Assyria (7: 11). The irony is seen in the fact that their 'allies' would turn out to be their worst enemies. Read Isaiah 31 and 2 Kings 17: 1-23. Israel's 'friends' were not able to rescue them. In fact, they sought to do God's people harm and not good. When have you sought refuge in someone or something other than God? How do our circumstances sometimes impair our judgement? What are practical ways to seek God's help during difficult times?
3. We saw earlier that the people had poor spiritual leaders (4: 7-8) and relied on foreign and man-made deities to bestow blessings upon them (2: 8 and 4: 12). Well the political situation was just as dire! They had appointed sour leadership to lead them in the secular realm as well (8: 4a); a situation that will be tantamount to experiencing a hurricane or tornado of sorts (see 8: 7)! God doesn't mind leadership, spiritual and political. However, leaders need to be responsible and trustworthy. In light of the highly elevated pedastal that the Israelites bestowed on their improper leaders, what is a healthy, balanced and Christian perspective of our respective leaders? Consider the leaders in your church. In what ways should we be praying for them? How often should we be praying for them? Consider the same in our city and country. Let us pray for all of our leaders.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)