Summer is in full swing, and we can expect the oppressive heat for a few more months, but our cheer comes from a relationship with God. As the temperatures reach into the triple digits, we take heart in the paradise that awaits us. This is all supplied by our Father, who has the wisdom, power, and desire to create an eternity of bliss for his children.
The final statement of unity
As we continue our theme of The Power of One, this week we look at The Power of One God, the final statement of unity in Paul’s list from Ephesians 4:4-6: “There is…one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” God has all authority, over all; he provides for everyone, through all; and he lives in those who call him Father, in all. These traits speak of God’s majesty. We ought to stand in awe of who God is.
God’s relationship to humanity
For the rest of August (and the first week of September), my plan is to focus on a beautiful story of love, betrayal, and forgiveness, which exemplifies God’s relationship to humanity. It is the story of Hosea and Gomer, and it fills us with hope. Like Gomer, we often struggle with faithfulness to the one who loves us beyond measure. In that struggle, we are often unfaithful and betray our promises to him. Yet, despite the hardness of our hearts, God never ceases to love us and call out to us. Hosea is a story of unfaithfulness, restoration, hardness, self-reliance, and repentance.
I encourage everyone to read the book of Hosea and make a note of these and other themes while reading it. Then join us on Sunday mornings for the rest of August (and the first week of September, I know I am cheating).
Preaching Minister