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Hosea, Gomer, God, and Israel
Sermon by Kim MyersIn the narrative of Hosea, Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, became the unlikely wife of the prophet Hosea, as directed by God to serve as a living symbol of God's relationship with His unfaithful people, Israel. The early days of their marriage held promise, and God blessed their union with a son named Jezreel, signifying prophetic judgment on Israel's dynasty. However, Gomer grew restless and unhappy, distancing herself from Hosea and his ministry, spending increasing time away from home. Her lack of shared devotion to God strained their bond, and her absences grew more frequent, stirring Hosea's suspicions of her unfaithfulness. These fears were confirmed when Gomer bore a daughter, named Lo-Ruhamah, meaning "Unpitied" or "Unloved," reflecting both her personal situation and Israel's estrangement from God. Soon after, another son, Lo-Ammi, meaning "Not My People," was born, further exposing Gomer's adultery and symbolizing Israel's alienation from God. Her affairs became public knowledge, and despite Hosea's pleas and attempts to reconcile, Gomer persisted in seeking other lovers who promised material gains. Her repentance was fleeting, and she repeatedly returned to her unfaithful ways. The final blow came when Gomer declared she had found her true love and left Hosea permanently, choosing a path that led to her ruin. Yet, Hosea's love for her remained steadfast. Driven by an indestructible love mirroring God's own, Hosea sought her out and found her in a degraded state, chained in a slave market, a shadow of her former self. He bought her freedom for fifteen shekels of silver and one and a half homers of barley, bringing her home and eventually restoring her as his wife. This act of forgiving love paralleled God's unending love for His people, demonstrating a profound capacity for forgiveness and restoration.
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.
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.
Hosea's Prophecy (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHosea was ordered by God to make a symbolic marriage to a harlot. This heartbreaking marriage portrayed Israel's unfaithfulness to God in spite of His care.
Christian Marriage (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe evil of the mixed marriages in the Book of Malachi was a spiritual defilement, yoking spiritual and worldly elements, intrinsically unequal.
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.
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.
Hosea's Prophecy (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHosea is an account of Israel's unfaithfulness to the covenant with God, and the redemptive work of God to rescue His unfaithful spouse from slavery.
Hosea's Prophecy (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsModern Israel has a form of religion, but it is empty and unsatisfying because it refuses to obey God and substitutes the traditions of man in its place.
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.
Hosea's Prophecy (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBoth Israel and Judah during Hosea's time adopted paganism from the surrounding nations. Syncretistic religion blends paganism and Christianity.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Eight) Cultivating the Fruit of Faithfulness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasThe only tangible measures of faith is faithfulness, trust, and loyalty to God. We don't need to ask God for more faith, but rather work on being faithful.
Wonderful Women
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAccording to God's vision of the institution of marriage, when man and wife follow the rule of submission and sacrificial love, patriarchy is a blessing.
The Role of Women
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsEven though feminist leaders have attacked the Bible for allegedly denigrating and demeaning women, God's Word emphasizes the honor and dignity of women.