Missio Dei Communities

Setting: Israel in the Height of Prosperity (1:1)
Called and prophesied in Israel at the height of their prosperity.  Outwardly, everything was going great.  

This is how we are programmed to live:    “Everything’s great”

Ex. Mom at LGO.  “Things change.”

Ex. Housing Market in Aug 2007

Our Church can be like that.  Look good on Sunday, put on a good show, smile.
Our Missional Communities can be like that.
Our Families can be like that.
Our Lives can be like that.

Hosea Marries Gomer: Wakeup Call! (1:2-3)
Hosea Marries Gomer, a prostitute.
Israel, you are not as pretty and desirable as you think.  You are a whore.  I see what’s going on underneath.

“Can a virgin forget her jewelry, or a bride her dress?    Yet my people have forgotten me days without number.” - Jeremiah 2:32


Illustration:  Housing Market and Economy in General.  Looked Good on the outside.  Really a house of cards.  


Q: What are the wake-up calls today?
Religious:  When you fail your own standards. (sex, get caught)
Irreligious :  When you realize you are accountable to a holy God. (

All kinds of people here today:
Peering in.  
Big issues.
Following the Lord

Hosea’s Kids:  1:4-11
Severity and Grace
You are a whore, but I still chose to marry you.
You deserve no mercy, but I have mercy on you.
You are not my people, yet I will regather you as my people.

Q:  What happens to people’s view of God if they only see one side?  (1:9 and 1:10)



Hosea takes Gomer Back:  Redeeming Love (3:1-4)

Jesus, the True and Greater Hosea:  Redeeming Love





Return (Shub ) - (3:5, 6:1, 14:1)

The message of Hosea:  Return!
Your idols are lovers that will crush you!
They won’t satisfy you.
How long are you going to play this game, when I am standing right here saying, “Return.”  

Return Today!
Is it time for you, for the first time to come to Jesus, finally admitting that you have been unfaithful to your Maker?  See the forgiveness and life that Jesus offers as a Faithful Redeemer.  Would you return to HIm today?

Some know exactly what I mean when I say we prostitute ourselves out to other lesser gods.  Your heart has been drawn away from the Lord, and is delighting in something  else, something lesser.  You know exactly what those empty idols are.  Do you see how they are destroying you.  Would you return to your faithful saving God today?

Some are in a good place.  The Lord is your delight.  Would you still practice daily and regular repentance?  Remember your heart is an idol factory.  Make it your daily duty to kindle your affection for Jesus, your Redeemer.  Would you return to the Lord daily?

Benediction
The gospel call this week is to ABANDON our heart’s false lovers and RETURN to  Jesus, the True and Greater Hosea who despite our unfaithfulness, has relentlessly loved and redeemed His bride:  O Praise the One who paid our debt and raised our lives up from the dead!  Amen.