Calvary Chapel Sydney

God's people thought their sacrifices made them acceptable before God, but because they were in sin without repentance He withdrew Himself from them. God knew in their affliction they would seek Him, and He would patiently wait for them to seek Him in repentance. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, and may we quickly rise and open our hearts to Him

In directing Hosea to show love to Gomer by redeeming her, God illustrated how He purchased His sinning people for Himself. God desired to be known by His beloved people, and we can know God through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

God's epic love for His people is evidenced by judgement not for their destruction but ultimate restoration. God compared Himself to a faithful Husband of Israel who resembled an adulterous wife who would one day repent, return to her first love, and have a fruitful life marked with joy and peace. Instead of a dead end Jesus Christ is a open Door of Hope for all who repent and trust in Him.

This message is the first in a study through the book of Hosea, a prophet of God to the northern kingdom of Israel. His life was a living parable to Israel of their unfaithfulness to Him, coming judgment, and their restoration by His grace.

Our current trials ought to be viewed in context of God's miraculous power and salvation. Jesus sees our struggles and comes to His own, speaks comfort, and works wonders. We are never alone because He is with and in us.

A crisis can lead us into dark places even to despair. The Lord can and wants to help us like no other. He still speaks.

God allows situations in our lives which defy our expectations, like the split of Israel into northern and southern kingdoms. In trying times will we seek the counsel of men, do what we think is best, or seek the LORD?

Though king Solomon had great wisdom provided by God, in his later years his heart turned from God and embraced idolatry. For his sin the kingdom would be divided, but God allowed Judah to be governed by Solomon's son for His servant David's sake. We have received many blessings from God for the sake of Jesus, the Servant of all.

Our relationship with God impacts the way we speak to others and compels us to make the most of all opportunities. God has given every follower of Jesus a ministry for us to fulfil. We are called to make the most of the life God graciously provides, our words seasoned with salt, and walking wisely.

Our relationship with God impacts our perspective and roles in relationships. Unlike employees who clock in and out of shifts, followers of Jesus always are held responsible before God as His beloved children. Our roles or circumstances are never a hindrance to the good works God intends to do in and through us.

The pursuit of happiness doesn't guarantee lasting happiness will be found. In Christ we find far more than good feelings but an abundant life free from the shackles of sin. Christians pursue Jesus in obedience because He already has us, and He is our all and in all.

Paul exhorts Christians to hold fast to Jesus and to avoid self-imposed religion, man's attempts to reach God. The Law of Moses and regulations concerning feasts and the sabbath are shadows of Christ who is the substance, and faith and obedience to Jesus - not slaves to the opinions or approval of others - is our chief aim.

Knowledge is important for life, but there is nothing more critical than knowing God through Jesus Christ. The temptation to think satisfaction and purpose can be discovered in this world apart from Christ is real, even for Christians. Knowing what Jesus accomplished on Calvary and that we are complete in Him radically alters our perspective for good.

The Bible reveals Jesus is the Son of God and God made flesh, the only Way to eternal life. Through faith in Jesus Christ alone people have access to God, forgiveness, and help in time of need. Jesus has been raised in glory, and He is the Hope of Glory in whom we find rest for our souls.

Travelling the road to Emmaus, Jesus reminds us that the Old Testament points to what was to happen to Jesus.

God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, demonstrating His love through being lifted up on a cross to save sinners. The darkest day in the history of the world was the Friday when the the Light of the World was snuffed out on the cross and laid in a dark tomb.

Paul's letter to the Colossians puts the LORD Jesus Christ in central focus for believers. Being born again through faith in Jesus is key to knowing God's will and the Gospel continuing to be fruitful in our lives - even when following Jesus means suffering.

This message concludes the study of Ephesians with practical wisdom. God has given instruction concerning the spiritual battle we face and how to be prepared with the armour provided by the Holy Spirit. With prayer and the grace of God we can be strong in the LORD and stand.

Our relationship with Jesus Christ is intended to impact all other relationships with others as we in sincerity of heart are obedient unto Him. We are called to obedient to Jesus, with goodwill doing service as to the LORD, knowing it is He who rewards us.

Knowing God is sovereign and has authority over all guides our perspective in how we submit to authority and wield it. Submitting to one another in love is a call to faith and obedience to God, and this is God's will for every follower of Jesus.