Redemption's Price
Notes
Transcript
What does our world need?
What does our world need?
We live in interesting times, in uncertain times, in fearful times. How we as individuals and especially a church answers this question will help to determine our future ministry. I do not think there is only “one answer” and definitely not a “silver bullet” that will do.
Our world is filled with pride and self-centeredness.
Our world is filled with pride and self-centeredness.
It is not natural nor acceptable to think of others first. Yes, at times it will appear like someone has our best interest at heart and then later we may realize it was for their own gain. We try to protect what we have.
The result-a bunch of noise.
The result-a bunch of noise.
We live in a increasingly loud world. Everyone talking over one another and no one truly listening. The church is not immune to this struggle.
God’s people are to be different.
God’s people are to be different.
The fundamental call of Scripture is this—God’s people are to be different in all ways.
God loves in spite of our sin/unfaithfulness.
God loves in spite of our sin/unfaithfulness.
This is the message of Hosea 3. Look at verse 1
Love is an action, a choice.
Love is an action, a choice.
Notice it is not a feeling but a choice God makes in spite of what His people are doing nor is it because of what the nation was doing.
Hosea paid the debt of his wife.
Hosea paid the debt of his wife.
We do not know what this was or even how much, though it is recorded 15 shekels. The point is not how much was paid but that Hosea, as he is instructed by God, pays her debt so she could be free.
Freedom comes with boundaries.
Freedom comes with boundaries.
We must remember this. In our world we can easily be seduced by thinking freedom means doing whatever I want, whenever I want, as long as I am not hurting anyone else. This is lie!!
You are loved!
You are loved!
This is the truth of Hosea.
Even though you have______, God still loves you!
Even though you have______, God still loves you!
Sometimes we struggle with being loved because of what we have done. This can be a healthy initial reaction. However, sometimes this gets in the way of being redeemed.
Our response-live in God’s love and live God’s love out!
Our response-live in God’s love and live God’s love out!
It is hard to love others when you are not sure you are lovable. The love of God is not one which allows us to be prideful or self-centered but instead forces us to see others.