Calvary Chapel Sydney

Through Amos God roared against Judah and Israel, and due to their close relationship with God they had much to answer for. Their sin was the reason judgement was coming, but God's grace and goodness meant repentance also would bring healing and restoration. Even great suffering for sin is not without God's providence.

God roared from Jerusalem against the sins of the nations through Amos the prophet, a humble breeder of sheep. God would send a fire to devour the nations who had sinned against Him and victimised His people, and when we trust Him evil can be overcome with good.

Like the message of Hosea to the northern tribes, Zephaniah message 100 years later to the southern tribes of Judah are similar. History is repeating itself. It always seems to but God doesn’t give up. The Lord’s heart is to warn, protect and save us. Although judgement comes because of sin, God provides deliverance. He always wants us, He proves it over again and again.

The conclusion of Hosea is unexpectedly full of hope, comfort, and refreshment considering the promised judgement of the northern kingdom of Israel for their sin. Israel could never earn the right to return to God through sacrifice, yet He invited all to return by His grace. Their basis of repentance was not their commitment but in agreement with the covenant they had made together.

A biblical study of faith and depression

Israel had sin-destructed, but in God was their refuge. Many blamed God for their problems, but they alone were responsible because they chose to depart from Him. For individuals and nations alike God provides our only help and salvation.

A biblical study of depression and faith.

God called Israel and drew them out of bondage in Egypt with love but they were bent on backsliding from Him. Using Jacob's life and experience with God as an illustration, the scripture teaches us prevailing with God does not come by fighting against Him but surrendering to Him.

A biblical study of depression and faith

Sowing wickedness caused Israel to produce iniquity, and God would chasten them for their sin. A season of ploughing would provide opportunity to sow righteousness by seeking the LORD. Though seasons change, it is always fitting to break up our fallow ground and seek God.

A biblical study of depression and faith.

Because the northern kingdom departed from the LORD in seeking prosperity, God would bring poverty upon them. Despite their many sacrifices, their sin before God was as notoriously wicked as the days of Gibeah, the sin of Ba'al Peor, and multiplied in Gilgal. In His grace and faithfulness God provided a Way of escape in Himself for them and all today who repent and trust Him.

A biblical study of faith and depression – Part 5

God is gracious to repeat warnings and provide guidance even to people who reject the good by His grace. Those who depart from God will find themselves alone, but the faithful servants who choose the good part by hearing His Word can rest in His love and shall have a glorious future with Him.

A biblical study of faith and depression - Part 4

A biblical study of faith and depression - Part 3

A biblical study of faith and depression- Part 2

A biblical study of faith and depression – Part 1

God allowed the northern kingdom of Israel to suffer great affliction for their sin, but they persisted in what was destroying them. They were likened to a cake unturned, a silly dove, and a deceitful bow, yet God remained faithful to hound them for their healing and restoration.

Whilst Israel placed great emphasis on offering sacrifices to God, their sin and lack of mercy revealed they did not know Him. Obedience is better than sacrifice, yet the sacrifices of a broken heart God will not despise. God has shown us mercy continually, even by sending His Son Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for sin so we can be saved.