"STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS" Hosea - God's Redeeming Love (8:1-10:15) by Mark Copeland

                    "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS"

                Hosea - God's Redeeming Love (8:1-10:15)

INTRODUCTION

1. Thus far in our survey of the book of Hosea, we have seen...
   a. The analogy of Hosea and Gomer, illustrating God's experience with Israel
      1) Israel's rejection symbolized, in the names of Hosea and Gomer's children 

           - Hos 1:2-9
      2) Israel's restoration foretold - Hos 1:10-2:1
      3) Israel's unfaithfulness described, depicted as a wife guilty of harlotry - Hos 2:2-13
      4) Israel's restoration described, finally cured of her idolatry - Hos 2:14-23
      5) Israel's restoration symbolized, depicted as a harlot taken 
         back to be a wife - Hos 3:1-5
   b. God's indictment of Israel
      1) The charges brought against Israel - Hos 4:1-5:15
      2) Israel's appeal rejected - Hos 6:1-7:16
   -- The theme proposed for this book has been "God's Redeeming Love"

2. The love God has for Israel does not preclude the need for 
   punishment if she is to be truly redeemed...
   a. As mentioned in Hos 2:13
   b. This punishment will be seen in the form of the Assyrian 
      invasion, as foretold in the section now before us

[In this lesson, we shall continue our survey of Hosea by noticing 
God's warning of punishment that is to befall Israel, chapters 8-10...]

I. GOD'S PUNISHMENT FOR ISRAEL (8:1-10:15)

   A. WARNING OF APPROACHING JUDGMENT (8:1-14)
      1. Judgment is coming because they transgressed the covenant - Hos 8:1-6
      2. They have sown the wind, through their alliances with Assyria,
         and shall reap the whirlwind - Hos 8:7-10
      3. The altars of their religion has made them sin, their 
         punishment will be a "return to Egypt" (Egypt as a symbol of captivity)  - Hos 8:11-13
      4. Israel has forgotten his Maker, and even Judah places more 
         trust in fortified cities; but judgment will come upon them both - Hos 8:14

   B. ASSYRIAN CAPTIVITY FORETOLD (9:1-17)
      1. Because Israel has played the harlot - Hos 9:1-2
      2. Ephraim (Israel) shall "return to Egypt" - Hos 9:3-9
         a. Egypt used as a type for captivity, but then Assyria is mentioned by name
         b. They will be unable to celebrate the feasts
         c. They will be punished for their sins
      3. The fleeting glory of Israel - Hos 9:10-17
         a. Though considered the firstfruits, they soon gave themselves over to idolatry
         b. Thus their glory will fly away, and they will be like one childless
         c. For their wickedness, God will cast them away

   C. ISRAEL'S SIN AND CAPTIVITY REITERATED (10:1-15)
      1. Her guilt and coming captivity - Hos 10:1-8
      2. Her sin and coming punishment - Hos 10:9-15

[With such ample warnings through prophets like Hosea, God let Israel
know what was to befall her. Yet the prophet's message did not end
there. A message of hope concerning restoration was also proclaimed, 
which we will shall consider in our next lesson. For a few remaining 
moments, let's review...]

II. SOME KEY PASSAGES IN THIS SECTION

   A. "I HAVE WRITTEN FOR HIM THE GREAT THINGS OF MY LAW, 

        BUT THEY WERE CONSIDERED A STRANGE THING"
      1. Notice Hos 8:12
      2. This is a sad commentary on the condition of Israel
         a. God had done a wondrous thing by giving them His Word - cf.Ps 19:7-11
         b. Yet they had become so perverted that God's word seemed strange to them!
      3. Is this not true today as well?
         a. We have been richly blessed with the full revelation of 
            God's will through His Son Jesus Christ
         b. Yet many people (even some in the church)...
            1) ...are so unaware of what the Bible says
            2) ...are so caught up in the thinking of the world
            ...that the principles and truths of God's word are  "considered a strange thing"!
      -- Is God's word considered a strange thing to you?

   B. "SOW FOR YOURSELVES RIGHTEOUSNESS, REAP IN MERCY"
      1. Consider Hos 10:12
      2. While we cannot earn our salvation by good works, works of 
         righteousness can result in experiencing God's grace and mercy
         a. A case in point is the conversion of Cornelius - Ac 10:1-6
         b. His fear of God, prayers, and alms did not save him, but God did take notice
         c. By striving to serve and please God, he came to know the way of mercy and salvation
      -- Thus we should be diligent in our service, not to earn 
         salvation, but to receive God's gracious mercy - e.g., Onesiphorus - 2Ti 1:16-18

   C. "YOU HAVE PLOWED WICKEDNESS, YOU HAVE REAPED INIQUITY"
      1. Read Hos 10:13
      2. Iniquity (injustice, NASB) is the natural consequence of wickedness
         a. When people turn their ears away from hearing the Word of 
            God, they will be wicked
         b. And the consequence is great injustice and lawlessness
      -- Sadly, I believe we can see why our society is reaping so much
         injustice and lawlessness today (because of the wickedness that is sown)
         
CONCLUSION

1. The messages of Hosea, though first spoken to a people of an earlier
   time, speak to us also...
   a. History tends to repeat itself; we need to learn from the mistakes of others
   b. The people of God are not immune from apostasy, wickedness and rebellion

2. As Paul wrote to the church of Corinth, after reviewing parts of Israel's history...

   "Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should
   not lust after evil things as they also lusted." (1Co 10:6)

3. God's "intent" in preserving the Old Testament was that we might 
   benefit from Israel's mistakes
   a. The works of prophets like Hosea can certainly help
   b. Will his words be well known to us, or will they too be"considered a strange thing"?

I pray this study will help his words become more familiar to us...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

Can a Person Live in Adultery? by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=4181

Can a Person Live in Adultery?

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

Confusion exists in the mind of some concerning the status of those who commit the sin of adultery. It is generally recognized that a couple becomes guilty of adultery when they form a sexual relationship in violation of Christ’s teaching in Matthew 19:9. But what is a church to do when one or both of those marriage partners present themselves for church membership, expressing their regret for their sin, but their intention to continue their relationship? Some argue that the couple can be forgiven, if they say they are sorry, on the grounds that people cannot live in adultery. They were guilty of committing adultery when they first came together, but they cannot be guilty of living (in an ongoing state) in adultery, and so may continue their marriage without being guilty of further sin.
Meanwhile, the church tends to shy away from dealing with the matter, permitting the couple fellowship but, amid vague feelings of uncertainty, keeping them at arm’s length. In the midst of this inconsistency, the church unwittingly brings itself under the same indictment leveled at the churches in Pergamum (Revelation 2:14) and Thyatira (Revelation 2:20-22) for their unholy “tolerance.” We must permit God’s words to give us guidance rather than be influenced by our human inclinations, sympathies, or emotions. God’s Word speaks very clearly to this matter.

It is true that sin may be viewed as the practice of isolated acts that are contrary to God’s will. But it does not follow that individuals cannot live in sin. A “liar” is one who is involved in separate acts of lying. What makes him a liar, and therefore guilty of living a life of lying, is his refusal to cease telling lies. A person is a “murderer” if he has killed one or more persons and continues to entertain the possibility of repeating such behavior. A person is an “adulterer” because he has formed a sexual relationship which violates God’s law and refuses to cease that illicit relationship. Simply saying he is sorry for the existence of this adulterous union will not and cannot alter what, in God’s sight, is “not lawful” (Matthew 14:4). As long as that marriage is continued, the parties involved are adulterers (Romans 7:3). Only by terminating that relationship can the parties involved put an end to their adultery. Otherwise, they “continue to commit adultery” (Matthew 19:9—the present tense continuous action), “live in fornication” (Colossians 3:5-7), and “live in [sin]” (Romans 6:2). When Paul reminded Christians at Corinth of their conversion day, he noted that some had previously been fornicators, adulterers, and homosexuals (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Who could possibly doubt the fact that their salvation would have been impossible unless these sexual unions were terminated? Indeed, how could they “that are dead to sin, live any longer therein” (Romans 6:2)?

Boy Came Back from Heaven? by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=5096

Boy Came Back from Heaven?

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

It was 2004 when 6-year-old Alex Malarkey was plunged into a coma by injuries sustained in a car accident. After waking two months later, he claimed he had seen angels who took him to heaven to meet Jesus. Six years later, Tyndale published a book by the boy, co-authored with his father, titled The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven, which became an instant bestseller, even spawning a documentary DVD. Now, at the age of 16, Alex has retracted his claims and, thankfully, is urging people to return to the Bible for the only reliable source for information on the afterlife (Zylstra, 2015).
Manmade religion typically relies heavily on subjective experience that the perpetrators expect people to accept based solely on personal “testimony.” However, such an approach to arriving at truth is in stark contrast with Bible teaching. God has always insisted that humans must weigh the evidence and draw only those conclusions warranted by that evidence (Miller, 2011). When God revealed new information, He never expected anyone to merely accept the word of another—even a prophet from God—without confirmation by an undeniable miraculous sign that demonstrates divine authenticity (John 10:37; see Miller, 2003a).
What’s more, the Bible speaks definitively concerning the afterlife. Since the Bible can be shown to be the inspired, infallible Word of God (Butt, 2007), it can be relied on to provide accurate information regarding life after death. It does not answer all our questions, but it gives sufficient information by which one can know with certainty the general parameters of life beyond the grave. The Bible teaches that for all individuals who died in Bible history, in every case, a miracle was necessary to restore the separated spirit of the individual to the body. This return of a person’s spirit constituted a resurrection. But miracles served a very specific purpose in Bible times—a purpose no longer needed (Miller, 2003a). Since God has chosen not to work miracles today (1 Corinthians 13:8-11; Ephesians 4:8-13), and no resurrections will occur until the general resurrection (John 5:25-29; Luke 14:14; 1 Corinthians 15:12ff.), there is no such thing as an “out-of-body experience” (for more discussion, read Miller, 2013).
Further, the Bible lays out a fairly complete treatment of afterlife (see Miller, 2003b). Briefly, God gives people this life on Earth to prepare their spirits for their eternal abode. When a person dies, his or her body goes into the grave, while the conscious spirit enters the hadean realm to await the final Judgment. At the Second Coming of Christ, all spirits will come forth from hades and be resurrected in immortal bodies. All will then face God in judgment, receive the pronouncement of eternal sentence, and then be consigned to heaven or hell for eternity (read Luke 16:19-31; cf. Miller, 2003b).
As usual, people could spare themselves a lot of hype and sensationalism that ends in embarrassment, disillusion, and resentment if they would simply consult the sure Word of God and order their thinking and life according to its precepts.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:12-13).
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11, emp. added).

REFERENCES

Butt, Kyle (2007), Behold! The Word of God (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press).
Miller, Dave (2003a), “Modern-Day Miracles, Tongue-Speaking, and Holy Spirit Baptism: A Refutation--EXTENDED VERSION,” Apologetics Press, http://apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=11&article=1399.
Miller, Dave (2003b), “One Second After Death,” Apologetics Press, https://www.apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1188&topic=74.
Miller, Dave (2011), “Is Christianity Logical? Parts 1&2,” Reason & Revelation, 31[6]:50-52,56-59; 31[7]:62-64,68-71, http://apologeticspress.org/apPubPage.aspx?pub=1&issue=977.
Miller, Dave (2013), “What About ‘Out-of-Body Experiences’?” Apologetics Press, https://www.apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=4694&topic=74.
Zylstra, Sarah Eekhoff (2015), “The ‘Boy Who Came Back from Heaven’ Retracts Story,” Christianity Today, January 15, http://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2015/january/boy-who-came-back-from-heaven-retraction.html?paging=off.

Book Review: The Good Book: Reading the Bible with Mind and Heart by Wayne Jackson, M.A.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=232

Book Review: The Good Book: Reading the Bible with Mind and Heart

by	Wayne Jackson, M.A.

Peter J. Gomes is a Baptist clergyman who preaches for Harvard University’s Memorial Church, and who also teaches at the university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The cleric professor has created a maelstrom of controversy recently with the publication of The Good Book: Reading the Bible with Mind and Heart (1996). The design of this book is to neutralize the Scriptures of their doctrinally demanding thrust, thus accommodating the ancient volume to the inclinations of modern society.
Gomes argues, for example, that the Bible does not condemn abortion. He contends that the biblical term “murder” refers only to the premeditated destruction of human life “outside the womb” (p. 45)—a distinction that is arbitrary, and which, in fact, is at variance with Exodus 21:22-23.
Further, Gomes, a self-confessed homosexual, alleges that the use of the Bible to condemn homosexuality is the product of simplistic interpretative methods that reflect a failure to comprehend the context in which the Scriptures were written. Such proceduralism he calls “textual harassment.” These sort of charges flow easily, of course, from those who reject the plain testimony of the Bible in the interest of their own personal agenda. For example, the author makes an artificial distinction in types of homosexual relationships. One moment he contends that Paul, in his various letters, merely was condemning the “debauched pagan expression” of homosexuality; then, he alleges that the apostle hardly can be faulted for his ignorance, because he knew nothing of “the concept of a homosexual nature” (p. 158). He also suggests (p. 25) that there was a homosexual relationship between David and Jonathan—a notion not reflected even remotely in the Old Testament narrative regarding these great men. Gomes obviously is desperate for some semblance of support for his aberrant lifestyle.
The professor charges that the New Testament itself is anti-Semitic. One chapter is titled: “The Bible and Anti-Semitism: Christianity’s Original Sin.” It is hardly anti-Semitic, however, to contend that the Jews’ salvation is to be found only in Jesus Christ, when the same condition prevails for the Gentiles as well. No one can read Romans 9:1ff., where Paul’s heart throbs with love for his brothers in the flesh, and charge the apostle with hatred and racism.
This volume is filled with reckless charges, sweeping generalizations, and invalid arguments. It is utterly bereft of scholarly acumen.
Of late, Gomes has been a frequent guest on the talk-show circuit, and his book has received laudatory reviews in the popular press. This is to be expected from media that disregard the authority of the Bible, and seek justification for hedonistic lifestyles.

REFERENCES

Gomes, Peter J. (1996), The Good Book: Reading the Bible with Mind and Heart (New York: William Morrow).

THE ORIGINAL INTENT OF SCRIPTURE by steve finnell

http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-original-intent-of-scripture-by.html

THE ORIGINAL INTENT OF SCRIPTURE  

by steve finnell

Should believers in Christ be concerned with God's original intent? Does the original intent of Scripture matter? Is the Bible an evolving book to be added to, as cultural norms change?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NKJV)

What was the original intent of 2 Timothy 3:16-17? That creed books, church catechisms, Bible commentaries, the writings of famous preachers, the views of theologians, and post Biblical books of so-called new revelation, be deemed as Scripture? I do not think so!

Acts 2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."(NKJV)

What was the original intent of Acts 2:36?   To teach mankind that Jesus was simply one of many Lords and many Christs? NO!

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)

What was the original intent of Acts 2:38? To teach that immersion in water was because sins were forgiven the minute that a person believed that Jesus was Lord and Christ? Was it to prove the Holy Spirit was given prior to repentance and baptism? Was it to tell the world that water baptism was not essential for the forgiveness of sins. Did the original intent convey the view, that baptism was for a testimony of a person's faith? NO, NO, NO!

Mark 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. (NKJV)

What was the original intent of Mark 16:15? To tell the world that God had selected a few that would be saved and He had selected all others to burn in hell, for eternity? NO!

Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved...(NKJV)

What was the original intent of Mark 16:16? To teach that infants were guilty of Adam's sin and had to be baptized before they were mature enough to believe and confess Jesus as Lord and Christ? NO, infants are not guilty of sin.

The original New Covenant terms of pardon have been not changed by God. Only men change the terms of pardon. Do you really want to trust men to get you into heaven?

GOD"S TERMS OF PARDON: 1. Faith, John 3:16. Repentance, Acts 3:19, Acts 2:38. Confession, Romans 10:9. Water Immersion, Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 22:16, Galatians 3:27.

Keeping Vows And Forsaking The World by B. Johnson

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Johnson/Edna/Elizabeth/1939/keepingvows.html

Keeping Vows And Forsaking The World

Some say that keeping vows is not that big of a deal. We can see by the recent statistics on marriage and divorce that the marriage vows count for little in today’s society. And what about our commitment to Christ when we were immersed in the waters of baptism? Did we promise to lose our lives for Christ and the gospel? Did we agree that Jesus is our king and Lord? If He truly is our Lord, we must do the things He says (Luke 6:46).
I hear from some who claim to be members of the church that the reason they became Christians was to escape pain and suffering and to go to heaven instead of hell. Their mind (attitude) seems to focus on what they can get from God rather than how they can serve Him. They seem to have forgotten they did not create themselves, but that He created them (Psa 100:3; Rom 1:21; Mark 8:36-37).
Judas Iscariot sold his soul for 30 pieces of silver (Mat 26:15). Some today seem quite willing to sell their souls for a high-paying job, a new house, a new car, or even prestige or power. Both partners in a household will frequently work seven days a week to lay up treasure here on earth (Luke 12:16-21; Mat 6:26), but they rarely will spend more than an hour on Sunday to ‘serve the Lord’. Would spending that much time each week make any other commitment prosper? Certainly not, so why do people think it would please the Creator?
Others cite family ties or commitments to explain why they have no time to assemble for study or worship or to work for Christ during the week. Maybe they believe they have to spend hours upon hours educating their children or helping them with homework. Perhaps they find it necessary to care for aging or invalid parents. Provided we do not let these things stand in the way of our service to the Lord, we can do them with His blessing.
But some use these duties as an excuse for not serving the Lord. Jesus said: “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Mat 10:37). “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26).
Beth Johnson

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The King James Version.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

A lesson in 40 seconds by Gary Rose

OK, I did what the picture told me to do, now what? So now I am an idiot? Perhaps, but probably not. I just wasted several seconds (forty seconds, if you can believe the picture) and accomplished nothing. Or did I? If I realized that there are people out there that will trick you, lie to you, persuade you to do things that you really do not want to do, then – I have really learned something. The sorry truth is that many people in this world do not have your best interest at heart. Whether or not you think you deserve it, some people will hate you for who you are and try to destroy you. If you try to follow God you are a target. The apostle Paul says...

Ephesians 5 ( World English Bible )

  ^[6]  Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.  ^[7] Therefore don’t be partakers with them.  ^[8] For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,  ^[9] for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth, ^[10] proving what is well pleasing to the Lord.  ^[11] Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them.  ^[12] For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of. ^[13] But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light. ^[14] Therefore he says, “Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 

  ^[15]  Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise;  ^[16] redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  ^[17] Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Empty words deceive, so don’t listen to what the ungodly say (verse 7). Remember, once you didn’t see God’s light and were under the control of evil- wake up and remember Jesus’ influence is the true light (verse 14). Be wise with your time and live (walk in this world) wisely (vss. 15 & 16) because of Jesus (verse 14). And lastly, seek God’s will and understand it (verse 17).

The point here is that the picture is probably just a waste of your time, but God’s word will set you on a course that will lead you to be the best person you can possibly be. I have no idea who made that picture, or what their motives are, but I know that God loves me and wants the best for me. I intend to listen to him.

HOW ABOUT YOU?