We study a portion of Hosea 10 that offers some interpretive difficulties. It also has some riches in it that remind us, for instance, that we should not have a divided heart, but rather a heart united to fear the name of God (see Psalm 86:11).

Before the Lord's Table service, Pastor Postiff read from 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 and shared a message on several verses in Scripture that show our connection "together with Christ."

This recording includes reading of Luke 17 with a few comments; the reading of a letter received by Bill and Andi Smith from an organ recipient from their late son Hayden Milton Smith; the presentation of a graduation gift to Hanna Welch, recent UM graduate, and preaching from Philemon. The closing words of the letter contained a lot for us to consider. We summarized our study of the letter by reminding ourselves that it encourages us to be an intercessor like Paul, to be a penitent sinner like Onesimus, and to be a loving Christian like Philemon.

Hosea chapter 9 is the subject of today's study led by Deacon James Widgeon.

After a brief report by one of our teenagers regarding a spiritual life enrichment program, and reading of Lamentations 1, Pastor Postiff took up Ecclesiastes 7. It expresses that it is good to have a good name and to make it to the end of life with that good name, among other truths. This is the passage that says that it is better to go to a funeral than a fun-filled party, because that is where we will all end up, and this in turn influences our priorities and how we live now.

Our study of Philemon has reached the theological climax of the letter in which Paul proposes an exchange of merit and demerit between himself and Onesimus, to permit Phielmon to accept Onesimus once again. This exemplifies what Christians should do in their personal relationships, and illustrates what God does for the believer through Christ. At about the 5:00 minute mark, Pastor gave a brief testimony about Joyce Cartwright and prayer for her and Chuck as they move away.

Hosea 8 comes back in review form, and then our study moves into chapter 9.

After reading of Jeremiah 52, the last chapter of that great prophecy, we studied Ecclesiastes 6 together. This chapter offers a glimpse into the frustratingly fleeing nature of life, and gives a reminder that we should not be dissatisfied with the lot God has assigned us.

Paul now makes his appeal for Onesimus. An important note about this message is that Paul does not lay on Philemon an obligation, but makes a request that he hopes will be motivated by Philemon's Christian love.

Hosea chapter 8 is the subject of the study in this Sunday school Adult Bible study class. The prophet wrote against a northern kingdom that was in a moral mess of idolatry.