Introduction The words of the Lord through the prophet Amos have teeth in them. They are the words of a lion (Amos 1:2; 3:8). Majestic and regal, this awesome predator roamed the hills of ancient Palestine, inspiring kings, devouring sheep, killing shepherds, ... Read More »

Introduction In the middle of the eighth century B.C.E., God interrupted the pastoral life of Amos and called him to prophesy to the northern kingdom of Israel. Amos heard the roar of Yahweh (Amos 1:2) and echoed that roar across the cities and cult centers of... Read More »

Treat your congregation to a series of sermons from the prophet Amos. You will find seven of his sermons in the book that carries his name. You and your people will be amazed at how contemporary the message of this eighth-century prophet sounds to twentieth-ce... Read More »

Introduction In the history of interpretation few documents in the New Testament have provoked more discussion, or have influenced the shape of Christian theology more than Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Since Luther, this document has played a central ... Read More »

Introduction The contents of the Book of Hosea seem to be arranged in a more or less chronological fashion. For example, Chapter 1, the earliest datable part of the book, predicts the demise of the nation of Israel by means of the names that Hosea gave his chi... Read More »

Introduction The book of Hosea is a testimony to love reaching beyond rejection. From the prophet’s love for Gomer, which was the basis for his purchase of his adulterous wife, to Yahweh’s self-expression of love for Israel in chapter 11, the theme... Read More »

The eighth-century prophets are justly famous as foremost representatives of the institution of prophecy in ancient Israel and Judah. Hosea’s standing in this company is well-deserved for many reasons. First, he carried on the legacy of Elijah as he cham... Read More »

Introduction Three major themes are reflected in the book of Hosea: First, that God suffers exceedingly because of human rebellion against him; second, that God loves unconditionally; and third, that God forgives completely. It is apparent that the prophet Hos... Read More »

Introduction Philip Yancey writes regularly for Christianity Today. A few years ago he had an article entitled, “The Bible’s ‘Fusty Old Men.”‘[1]Philip Yancey, “The Bible’s ‘Fusty Old Men,”‘ Christian... Read More »

Introduction Great multitudes began following Jesus when they saw his miracles and heard his magnificent parables (Matt. 4:23-25). While many were genuinely committed believers, others were probably curiosity seekers. Jesus wanted to make it perfectly clear th... Read More »