A Parable of God's Mercy
A PARABLE OF GOD’S MERCY
Sunday (09/11), we begin a new series in the book of Hosea (1:1-11). His ministry was primarily to the ten northern tribes of Israel. A contemporary of Isaiah, Micah, Amos, and Jonah, he was a bold and courageous prophet who spoke of the urgency of Israel to turn from their wicked ways and turn back to the living God.
Hosea’s prophetic ministry began with a challenging command from the Lord. When he first heard what God required, one has to wonder if he thought he had heard correctly. The Scripture does not record any dilemma Hosea may have had, but that doesn’t mean it was easy for him to obey. But obey he did and, by doing so, set an example for the people of God of what it means to be devoted to the One who gives life.
The message Hosea had for Israel is one for today. The culture is spiraling downward toward a spiritual abyss. There may be a pretense of love for God. But, one’s passion is measured not by words but by actions. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep my commandments” (John14:15). He also said, “You are my friends if you do whatever I command” (John 15:14). Sixty years later, John who remembered those words Jesus had spoken and that they were given the night He was betrayed, wrote, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).
Just as Israel ignored Hosea’s prophecy to their peril, it can be said of today. What is needed is a Jesus-loving, sin-hating, Spirit-filled church that will be like Hosea and speak the truth in love for the love of God and lost people. Let everyone who will listen know that there will be a day when each one will stand before a righteous God to give an account of their life. And that the only way for them to escape is to turn to the One who, in His mercy, will grant them everlasting life.
I look forward to our time together. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the entire Calvary Chapel family.
There are several opportunities for worship. On-campus (10:00 am), drive-in church (92.1fm), and online (Facebook and YouTube: Calvary Inverness)
In His Strong Love,
Pastor
Sunday (09/11), we begin a new series in the book of Hosea (1:1-11). His ministry was primarily to the ten northern tribes of Israel. A contemporary of Isaiah, Micah, Amos, and Jonah, he was a bold and courageous prophet who spoke of the urgency of Israel to turn from their wicked ways and turn back to the living God.
Hosea’s prophetic ministry began with a challenging command from the Lord. When he first heard what God required, one has to wonder if he thought he had heard correctly. The Scripture does not record any dilemma Hosea may have had, but that doesn’t mean it was easy for him to obey. But obey he did and, by doing so, set an example for the people of God of what it means to be devoted to the One who gives life.
The message Hosea had for Israel is one for today. The culture is spiraling downward toward a spiritual abyss. There may be a pretense of love for God. But, one’s passion is measured not by words but by actions. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep my commandments” (John14:15). He also said, “You are my friends if you do whatever I command” (John 15:14). Sixty years later, John who remembered those words Jesus had spoken and that they were given the night He was betrayed, wrote, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).
Just as Israel ignored Hosea’s prophecy to their peril, it can be said of today. What is needed is a Jesus-loving, sin-hating, Spirit-filled church that will be like Hosea and speak the truth in love for the love of God and lost people. Let everyone who will listen know that there will be a day when each one will stand before a righteous God to give an account of their life. And that the only way for them to escape is to turn to the One who, in His mercy, will grant them everlasting life.
I look forward to our time together. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the entire Calvary Chapel family.
There are several opportunities for worship. On-campus (10:00 am), drive-in church (92.1fm), and online (Facebook and YouTube: Calvary Inverness)
In His Strong Love,
Pastor
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