Hosea’s Contradictory Calling (Hosea 1:1-9)

The prophet Hosea is called to take a woman that is unfaithful. He is to take a wife who will undermine the institution of marriage. This seems to be a contradiction to the Lord's purpose. However, we know that the Lord is communicating to us the truth of the gospel. How can this prophet communicate to us the truth of the gospel when these words seem so hopeless?

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A Prophet Without Honor (Matthew 13:53-58)

Christ is our redeeming messiah.  You would think that Christ entering town would be a very rich blessing because the Lord would teach the intentions of Scripture.  However, Christ is not received with such honor in his hometown.  What does this tell us about the Word of God?  What does Nazareth teach us about our potential reaction to the Lord’s Word?

God’s Unfathomable Mercy (Malachi 4:4-6)

We conclude our study on the prophet Malachi.  This is a prophet that we probably are not the most familiar so what is the prophet’s contribution to our canon?  Is this only a prophet who is relevant during the Christmas season when he talks about the Messiah or does this prophet communicate the Gospel in a very profound and significant way?

The Cross Examination (2) (Malachi 2:1-9)

We know that the ministering priesthood of Israel has come to completion because of Christ’s priestly work.  Malachi rebukes the priests in Israel, and so what value can Malachi’s warning for the priests have for us today?

Cross Examination (Malachi 1:6-14)

The Lord has established for Israel that the Lord really does love Israel.  The Lord is also one who has been faithful to the promises of the covenant of grace.  The Lord has delivered, defended, and deposited Israel right where they need to be.  Now the Lord turns to cross examine Israel.  Have they loved the Lord as they should?  How has Israel failed to love the Lord?

Let the Trial Begin (Malachi 1:1-5)

Israel has a checkered past and some struggles in their faithfulness to the Lord.  Now, Israel is in a place where she is sort of in the land, but not fully enjoying all the benefits of the Lord.  Israel wants to know if the Lord really loves the younger son, and so they ask the Lord if he really loves Jacob.  So, does the Lord love Jacob and how do we know?

A Long-suffering and Weak God? (Micah 2:1-11)

I am sure that you have heard before that if we hold out the gospel too much then people will not seek to honor the Lord because they will not be afraid of Him.  In other words, if we do not really show the justice or the judgement of God then we will have a people that just live in rebellion.  What does Micah teach about the real issue or the real problem that confronts us?  What is the real issue that is before us, and what is the message that is to be proclaimed?

The Coming Pun-ishment (Micah 1:6-16)

The people of Israel are facing the wrath of the Lord that is coming against them.  They will experience this wrath, but what did they do that was so wrong?  Why does the prophet mention a series of place names that are difficult for us to pin on a map?  How do those cities communicate the punishment that is coming?  What is the hope in the midst of the promised punishment?  What could this punishment possibly teach us?

Hear All Peoples? (Micah 1:1-5)

The prophet Micah was sent to Israel with a message that was very relevant and urgent for the Northern and Southern Kingdoms in Canaan.  It is tempting to think that this is an in-house problem that impacts the immediate recipients of the letter excusing us from all responsibility.  However, Micah calls all peoples to listen.  All peoples are to hear the prophet speak.  Why should we care what happens to these people in this unique time?  What relevant message can the prophet bring to us today?