“Romancing Gomer” is a modern-day (family-friendly) retelling of the events found in the Old Testament Biblical book of Hosea.
The Book of Hosea was written around 750 B.C. as a warning to the nation of Israel against their idolatry. It was a time of relative economic prosperity in the midst of moral and spiritual compromise. Instead of worshiping God, The Israelites were turning to the worship of Baal, a false Canaanite god of fertility and prosperity whose worship often included many sexual excesses, even infant sacrifice. Sadly, the Israelites were attributing their economic successes to their worship of Baal rather than God’s ongoing protection.
In an effort to get the Israelites attention, God instructs the prophet Hosea to do something very dramatic - marry an adulterous woman. Hosea’s experiences of marriage to Gomer, who would be perpetually unfaithful to him, were to be an example of how the Israelites were treating God. It was also an insight into God’s jealous, hurt, at times angry, but always faithful heart towards His people.
Sadly, the nation of Israel did not heed the warnings given through Hosea and change their ways. As a result, God lifted His hand of protection and the nation was destroyed about 30 years later by the Assyrian Empire.
As Christians, we view this Old Testament book through the New Testament lense of Jesus’ self-sacrificial love for humanity. This story serves as an example of how even in the midst of our unfaithfulness and rebellion against God, God loved us so much that he sent His Son to die on our behalf so we could be reconciled to God.
Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Discussion Questions:
Read Hosea 1.
What is Hosea asked to do? What hardships and heartache would he face for following these instructions?
Compare the children’s names given in Hosea 1:4, 6 & 8 with their “renaming” in Hosea 2:21-23. What does this tell us about God’s heart?
Read Hosea 3.
How is this action a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption that would happen through Jesus?
Sermons from Columbia Grove Covenant Church in East Wenatchee WA.
Monday, April 29, 2019
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Easter 2019 - Jesus' Resurrection Changes Us
In the New Testament, we are presented with reliable eyewitness accounts of Jesus' resurrection, and the opportunity for our lives, like the lives of the disciples, to be changed by it.
Where Is It Written?
Read John 20:11-18
What evidence did Mary see of Jesus' resurrection?
What was the evidence that finally convinced her?
Read John 20:19-20
What evidence did the disciples see of Jesus' resurrection?
Read Acts 4:8-13
How were the disciples changed by seeing Jesus resurrected?
Other Key Bible Passages About the Ressurection:
Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20-21, 1 Corinthians 15
How Goes Your Walk?
Imagine yourself with the disciples on the first Easter Sunday. What evidence would it take to convince you that Jesus had risen from the dead?
How has Jesus' resurrection changed you?
Where Is It Written?
Read John 20:11-18
What evidence did Mary see of Jesus' resurrection?
What was the evidence that finally convinced her?
Read John 20:19-20
What evidence did the disciples see of Jesus' resurrection?
Read Acts 4:8-13
How were the disciples changed by seeing Jesus resurrected?
Other Key Bible Passages About the Ressurection:
Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20-21, 1 Corinthians 15
How Goes Your Walk?
Imagine yourself with the disciples on the first Easter Sunday. What evidence would it take to convince you that Jesus had risen from the dead?
How has Jesus' resurrection changed you?
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
BLESS - God Owns All The Fish
1. Begin with prayer. 2. Listen with care. 3. Eat together. 4. Serve in love. 5. Share your story.
Where is It Written?
Read Luke 5:1-11
How do you think Peter might have felt when Jesus first asked him to take his boat out so Jesus could teach, and then asked him to place his partially cleaned nets back into the water? Why do you think he might have felt this way?
Why do you think Jesus performs this miracle?
How does Peter respond when he sees the catch of fish, and why do you think he responds that way? (See Isaiah 6:1-8 for a parallel passage.)
What do you notice about what Jesus says to Peter after Peter falls down and confesses he is not worthy?
In what ways does God bless Peter in this experience?
How do you think God wants Peter to bless others as a result of being blessed?
What are some fears Peter (or you) might have about being sent out as a witness? How does this text address those fears?
What does this passage show us about the mission of Jesus?
How Goes Your Walk?
What do you think God might be saying to you in this passage?
What holds you back from sharing your faith more than you do?
Who (by name) are people in your life that you are you might be able to bless by sharing God's good news with them?
Where is It Written?
Read Luke 5:1-11
How do you think Peter might have felt when Jesus first asked him to take his boat out so Jesus could teach, and then asked him to place his partially cleaned nets back into the water? Why do you think he might have felt this way?
Why do you think Jesus performs this miracle?
How does Peter respond when he sees the catch of fish, and why do you think he responds that way? (See Isaiah 6:1-8 for a parallel passage.)
What do you notice about what Jesus says to Peter after Peter falls down and confesses he is not worthy?
In what ways does God bless Peter in this experience?
How do you think God wants Peter to bless others as a result of being blessed?
What are some fears Peter (or you) might have about being sent out as a witness? How does this text address those fears?
What does this passage show us about the mission of Jesus?
How Goes Your Walk?
What do you think God might be saying to you in this passage?
What holds you back from sharing your faith more than you do?
Who (by name) are people in your life that you are you might be able to bless by sharing God's good news with them?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)