Influenced by the fantastical myths of Greek culture, teachers were encouraging young Christians that if they really wanted to grow spiritually, they must have a mystical "buzz"--some kind of lightning-bolt experience. In contrast, this passage encourages us to place our confidence, rationally and spiritually and with good reason, in the truth of God's Word.

Influenced by the fantastical myths of Greek culture, teachers were encouraging young Christians that if they really wanted to grow spiritually, they must have a mystical "buzz"--some kind of lightning-bolt experience. In contrast, this passage encourages us to place our confidence, rationally and spiritually and with good reason, in the truth of God's Word.

He is a God of love and mercy and will receive those who confess. We must be honest and real before Him. We need to learn how to live for Jesus even in areas of our lives, like our sexuality, which we don't often talk about.

He is a God of love and mercy and will receive those who confess. We must be honest and real before Him. We need to learn how to live for Jesus even in areas of our lives, like our sexuality, which we don't often talk about.

We live in a world that is quite like Hosea's in many ways, including our obsession with sexuality. There are truths in this passage that apply directly to today's world. The prophet Hosea stands as a model for us, and this message is quite relevant to us.

We live in a world that is quite like Hosea's in many ways, including our obsession with sexuality. There are truths in this passage that apply directly to today's world. The prophet Hosea stands as a model for us, and this message is quite relevant to us.

There is an evangelistic power in living generously. When a Christian gives to the work of the Gospel, choosing to live below the standard of living that they could live otherwise, they are sending a message that they believe in something bigger than this world, and people notice and it has a huge impact.

There is an evangelistic power in living generously. When a Christian gives to the work of the Gospel, choosing to live below the standard of living that they could live otherwise, they are sending a message that they believe in something bigger than this world, and people notice and it has a huge impact.

God loves truly joyful Christians. God doesn't give you a duty that he doesn't also intend to be a delight. It is a duty to give, but God loves you to be cheerful, so He set up the system in such a way that when we give, it will be good for us. Giving opens up avenues of joy, and generosity is an opportunity to be a part of what God is doing.

God loves truly joyful Christians. God doesn't give you a duty that he doesn't also intend to be a delight. It is a duty to give, but God loves you to be cheerful, so He set up the system in such a way that when we give, it will be good for us. Giving opens up avenues of joy, and generosity is an opportunity to be a part of what God is doing.