The Truth about God’s Great Love, Part 1April 22, 2012Please turn in Bibles to Hosea 4-14 Chapters 4-14 move away from the story of Hosea and Gomer and focuses on God’s message to the Northern Kingdom (Israel).4:17: “Ephraim” (Him): from now on this refers to the northern kingdom, which was the focal point of spiritual adultery.Cycle 1(4:1-6:3): Highlighted Unfaithfulness5:4: To Know (Yaw-da): intimate embrace“Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain”. Genesis 4:1App: Do you truly know Him? Does He know you? 4:12, 5:4: “a spirit of prostitution”. “False spirits (often rooted in satisfaction and security) that never satisfy, yet have a way of wooing”. (4:12) “they lead us astray (deceive)”, (5:4) “they capture our hearts (affections)” App: See Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:13). Also Eph. 5:18, John 7:37-39And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:13Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” 39By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. John 7:37-394:4, 6: No Position for Pointing a Finger App: It’s time to ask what’s wrong with the church (assembly of believers).Cycle 2 (6:4-11:11): Highlighted Consequences.For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 App: Pursue the heart of God2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Revelation 2:2-4What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?