The LORD causes the warning trumpet to sound again as Assyria waits to scavenge God’s people, who are already dead in their idolatry, even though they do not realize it. Israel has been ruled by unauthorized kings, and they worship worthless idols, just as their fathers had once done even at the foot of Mount Sinai. As Israel multiplies their altars, they only multiply their sins. The LORD will not receive their idolatrous worship, for Israel has forgotten that the LORD is her Creator and Redeemer. Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola, president of the Mid-South District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Hosea 8:1-14. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church today. Just as we still need to listen to their call to repentance over our idolatry, so we still need to heed their call to trust in the Savior, Jesus. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]