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Christian Marriage (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHosea was instructed by God to marry a woman who would become unfaithful, illustrating God's relationship with Israel. Despite her unfaithfulness, Hosea remained faithful to her, providing for her needs even as she lived immorally. When she reached her lowest point, Hosea redeemed her from slavery, demonstrating God's enduring love and commitment to His people despite their unfaithfulness. This story serves as a metaphor for Christ's faithfulness to Israel, His adulterous wife, who turned to other gods yet was still loved and redeemed by Him.
Hosea, Gomer, God, and Israel
Sermon by Kim MyersHosea's marriage to Gomer serves as a profound illustration of God's relationship with Israel. God instructed Hosea to marry Gomer, who was deeply affected by the moral laxity of her society. Their union was blessed with a son named Jezreel, symbolizing the impending destruction of Jeroboam II's dynasty. As their marriage progressed, Gomer became restless and increasingly absent from home, eventually bearing two more children, Lo-Ruhamah and Lo-Ammi, whose names reflected Israel's spiritual state and Gomer's infidelity. Hosea's love for Gomer remained steadfast despite her unfaithfulness. He endured great agony as Gomer's affairs became public, yet he continued to love and forgive her. When Gomer left Hosea for another lover, claiming she would never return, Hosea's love persisted. Driven by his deep love, Hosea sought her out and found her in a slave market, where he bought her back for fifteen shekels of silver and one and one-half homers of barley. He restored her to her position as his wife, demonstrating a love that mirrors God's unending love for His people.
Hosea's Prophecy (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHosea's marriage to a harlot, as instructed by God, served as a symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness to Him. This marriage was meant to illustrate how Israel had forsaken God to worship idols, despite the blessings and prosperity He had provided. The story begins with Hosea marrying Gomer, who was initially pure, but later became unfaithful, mirroring Israel's idolatrous adultery with other nations. The names of their children—Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, and Lo-Ammi—reflected God's judgment on Israel for their unfaithfulness, indicating that they would be scattered, not pitied, and no longer considered God's people. Despite Gomer's unfaithfulness, Hosea remained faithful, symbolizing God's enduring love and commitment to Israel, even in the face of their betrayal.
Hosea's Prophecy (Part Five)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIsrael demonstrates divided loyalties, vacillating between God and the world, veering more toward the world, resembling a panting dog or a pleasure-bent prostitute.
An Undying Love
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaEven though Gomer proved unfaithful, Hosea still loved her, buying her back from captivity and restoring her as his wife, just like God lovingly forgives.
The Commandments (Part Sixteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIt is absolutely impossible for lust to bring about any kind of satisfaction. Adultery cannot be entered into without irrevocably damaging relationships.
The Beast and Babylon (Part Nine): Babylon the Great
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughFor being a religious book, the Bible contains an unusual number of references to harlotry! Yet they provide understanding of the great harlot of Revelation.
The Seventh Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughFor decades, sexual sins have topped the list of social issues. The problem is unfaithfulness. The seventh commandment has natural and spiritual penalties.
Meet the Minor Prophets (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe twelve small books are often overlooked, but the Minor Prophets contain vital messages for today's Christians facing the time of the end.
The Seventh Commandment: Adultery
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Amos' prophecy, faithlessness and sexual immorality loom large, like a a prostitute chasing after lovers. Faithlessness extends into not keeping one's word.
Choosing to Have a Good Relationship
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Bible emphasizes marriage as the primary bond of society. The purpose for the marriage relationship is to depict the marriage of Christ and His bride.
The Perfect Husband
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHusbands need to imitate God's behavior as reflected through the life of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 54 reveals Yahweh (who became Jesus Christ) as the Husband of Israel.
Are You Sure You Believe in God? (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBelief in God involves more than believing He exists, but in faithfully obeying what He asks us to do. Genuine faith gives us access to genuine power.
Hebrews, Love, and the Ephesian Church
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the Ephesians, the weary veterans in Hebrews were becoming apathetic through outside pressures, losing their former zeal and devotion to Christ.
Do You Take Sin Seriously? God Does!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe demise of an institution can result from the irresponsibility of its constituents; if one member sins, the whole body experiences the effects.
Mephibosheth
Sermonette by James C. StoertzWhen confronted with the treachery of Absalom, Ziba and Mephibosheth seemed to express divided loyalties just as we do when we yield to our carnal minds.
John (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAs long as we are slaves of sin and following the dictates of our lusts, we have no free moral agency. God liberates us from sin so we are free to obey Him.