Let's find Jesus!

God Loves You!

The Bible says, "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life"

The problem is that . . .

2All of us have done, said or thought things that are wrong. This is called sin, and our sins have separated us from God.

The Bible says “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” God is perfect and holy, and our sins separate us from God forever. The Bible says “The wages of sin is death.”

The good news is that, about 2,000 years ago,

3God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins.

Jesus is the Son of God. He lived a sinless life and then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. “God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.”

Jesus rose from the dead and now He lives in heaven with God His Father. He offers us the gift of eternal life -- of living forever with Him in heaven if we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me."

God reaches out in love to you and wants you to be His child. "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name." You can choose to ask Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and come in to your life as your Lord and Savior.

4If you want to accept Christ as your Savior and turn from your sins, you can ask Him to be your Savior and Lord by praying a prayer like this:

"Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins.  Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life.  I ask you in to my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always."

Did you pray this prayer? Lets believe if you need prayer please write email on our website www.fghconline.com   My God bless you                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Pastor Rolando Ramos             

 

 

Are You A Disciple Of Jesus?

                        "A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"

                     

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

INTRODUCTION

1. The above statement was made by Jesus to His apostles shortly before
   He ascended to heaven - Mt 28:18-20

2. Commonly called "The Great Commission," notice the main thought of
   Jesus' command...
   a. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations..."
   b. To "make disciples," therefore, is the GOAL of evangelizing the
      world for Christ

3. Are you a disciple of Jesus?
   a. More than likely you believe in Jesus...
   b. You might even be one to attend church services regularly
   -- But is that what it means to be His disciple?

4. The purpose in this study is to make clear what is involved in
   being a true disciple of Jesus Christ

[To begin, let's define the word "disciple"...]

I. THE DEFINITION OF A DISCIPLE

   A. THE WORD "DISCIPLE"...
      1. The word "disciple" literally means A LEARNER
      2. According to Vine's Expository Dictionary Of New Testament
         Words, it denotes "one who follows another's teaching"
      3. But a disciple was not only a learner, he was also AN ADHERENT
      4. For this reason disciples were spoken of as IMITATORS of their
         teachers.

   B. THE GOAL IN BEING A DISCIPLE...
      1. Stated by Jesus himself:  to be like the teacher - Lk 6:40
      2. To be Christ's disciple, then, is to strive to be like Him!
      3. According to the apostle Paul, this coincides with God's goal
         in the redemption of mankind, that they be conformed to the
         image of His Son - Ro 8:29

[Do you have a strong desire to follow Jesus and become like Him?
Unless you do, it cannot be said that you are truly His disciple!

There are also some "identifying marks" of discipleship given by Jesus
which can help us to further identify a true disciple of Jesus...]

II. THE MARKS OF A DISCIPLE

   A. A DISCIPLE IS "ONE WHO ABIDES IN JESUS' WORDS" - Jn 8:31
      1. This would imply being a diligent student of the teachings of
         Christ
      2. It also requires one to be a "doer" of the Word - Mt 7:21-27;
         Jm 1:21-25
      3. In view of this, a true disciple would not...
         a. Fail to study the Bible diligently
         b. Willingly refrain from opportunities to study with others
            (e.g., Bible classes, church services, gospel meetings).

   B. A DISCIPLE IS ALSO "ONE WHO LOVES THE BRETHREN" - Jn 13:34-35
      1. With a love patterned after the love of Jesus ("as I have
         loved you")
      2. With a love that is visible to the world ("by this all will
         know")
      3. Therefore, a true disciple would...
         a. Make every effort to get to know his brethren
         b. Take advantage of occasions to encourage and grow closer to
            them (e.g., attending services on Sunday and Wednesday
            nights)
      4. Remember, a disciple is one who wants to become like his
         teacher 
         a. Was Jesus willing to sacrifice time and effort for His
            brethren?
         b. Of course, and so will we... IF we are truly HIS disciples!

   C. A DISCIPLE IS "ONE WHO BEARS MUCH FRUIT" - Jn 15:8
      1. Notice the word "much" (also found in verse 5)
         a. Jesus is not talking about an occasional good deed
         b. But a lifestyle which prompts people to glorify God!
            - Mt 5:16
      2. This is so important, that failure to bear much fruit will
         result in being severed from Christ - Jn 15:1-2
      3. How can one be a disciple if he or she is cut off from Christ?

[The point should be clear:  to be a disciple of Jesus Christ means 
more that just a casual church member.  It requires COMMITMENT, 
especially in regards to:
  
                    The teachings of Christ 
                    The love of brethren 
                    Bearing fruit to the glory of God

The kind of commitment involved is seen further when we consider the 
"high cost" of discipleship demanded by Jesus in Lk 14:25-33...]

III. THE COST OF BEING A DISCIPLE

   A. JESUS MUST COME FIRST - Lk 14:26
      1. Before anyone else, including members of our own family 
         - Mt 10:34-37
      2. Even before one's own self - Lk 9:23-25

   B. WE MUST BE WILLING TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST - Lk 14:27
      1. Trying to live godly lives in an ungodly world, we may find
         that following Christ sometimes involves ridicule and
         persecution - 2Ti 3:12
      2. Even if we are blessed to escape such things, we must still be
         willing to expend time and effort in promoting the cause of
         Christ in positive ways

   C. PUTTING IT SIMPLY, WE MUST FORSAKE ALL TO FOLLOW CHRIST 
      - Lk 14:33
      1. In other words, Jesus must be KING and LORD of our lives
      2. Nothing can take precedent over Him and His Will for us

[This kind of "high cost" of discipleship demanded by Jesus caused 
many people to turn away from following Him.  But Jesus wasn't trying
to attract large crowds, He wanted disciples!

Is the COST worth it?  I believe so, for consider some of the REWARDS
of discipleship...]

IV. THE REWARDS OF BEING A DISCIPLE

   A. THERE IS THE PROMISE OF "FUTURE BLESSINGS"...
      1. We shall be saved from the wrath of God which is yet to come
         upon the world for its sins - Ro 5:9
      2. We can look forward with joyful anticipation of eternity with
         God, free from sorrow, pain and death - Re 21:1-8

   B. THERE ARE ALSO "PRESENT BLESSINGS"...
      1. Jesus offers a PEACE the world cannot give to calm the
         troubled heart - Jn 14:27
      2. His words inspire JOY to lift our spirits out of any
         depression - Jn 15:11
      3. He also offers to those who follow Him the ABIDING LOVE OF
         GOD, which can cast out fear - Jn 15:9; 1Jn 4:18
      4. And he makes it possible for us to be members of THE FAMILY OF
         GOD, which is able if need be to replace our physical family
         - Mk 10:28-30

[There are many other blessings we could mention that are enjoyed by
disciples of Jesus; but these suffice to demonstrate that though 
discipleship is costly, the rewards far exceed the cost!

Now that we understand the nature of discipleship, its cost and 
rewards, I hope that we want to be true disciples of Jesus Christ.  
But how does one begin?

For the answer we return to our beginning text - Mt 28:19-20...]

CONCLUSION

1. Only those scripturally baptized and demonstrating the "marks" of
   discipleship, despite the "costs," can truly be called disciples of
   Jesus!

2. Only they can realistically look forward to the "rewards" of
   discipleship, and take consolation in the promise of Jesus:

     "and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age"
                                                     - Mt 28:20

If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, then the prospects of "A 
Closer Walk With God" and more fruitful service as a disciple should
be of great interest to you.  I hope the lessons to follow will help
fulfill that interest.

Pastor Rolando Ramos 

www.fghconline.com

(Forth floor) Going shopping for the Lord

If you have understood that the third floor had to do with changing the our outward apparel, and you picked up the right look for God we are ready for the fourth floor.

“Great the fourth floor” this floor is church attendance, how important is it to attend church services? It is as important as going to work and getting paid by your employer. It’s like a child going to school to learn, and get an education.  If we didn't work to earn a living how would you pay your bills? as we all know we need to put food on the table, and if you don’t go to school, how would we learn to read and write. A job and, education are physical needs for the life in the carnally is considered the nature man. Why do we have to go to this floor? So that we could understand all about Church attendances? Some may thing that once you have asked Jesus Christ into your life, read the bible pray, and you feel that your all set going to church is a waste of time, all the churches want to do is take your money. Think about that alarm clock by your bedside going off making that annoying buzzing sound to awaking you from your beautiful sleep. And you said to yourself, “it can’t be time to get up already, but guess what? You have to go to work to bring home the bread, and butter to feed you, and your family. The same applies to your education no school no knowledge, which makes it hard for you to get a descent job. Attending church is the greatest spiritual fuel both educational as well as profitable. Have you ever gone to a pep rally in school to cheer on their class president, or their school football team to encourage them to win? A gathering of people into one place targeting the same proposes to motivate encourage and up-lifted you are the true reason to lift your spirit to motive the flesh. Going to church encourages you by hearing the testimonies of other Christian going through trials and tribulation, and how they became triumphant winner over their battles, and we; can’t forget the testimonies of the wonderful blessings they received. Word of encouragement by others supports the weaker vessel to give them confidences. You may find couch potato seating down with the remote in one hand and the bible in the other hand watching television waiting for the church program to come on. That’s not the real problem, watching Christian television programs at the privacy of your own home is fine, here were the problem comes in. While you’re watching your Christian Church service the phone rings, you may even get someone knocking at your door, or other distraction may arise. When you attend a church service your all invited attention is on the message, and the presents of God spirit hitting on the church people waiting on the rain of God’s glory to touch them, think of the glorious power that’s moving in one place “Ah…it’s awesome, once you have been touched by this, you will always want more. Have you ever been, or seen on television a revival crusade. Why do you see it usually packet with hungry God chasing people coming to receive a blessing, or salvation? Would you think that maybe those hungry God chasing people have tasted of the awesome blessings of God, and they just didn't get enough? So, we end up getting more. My friend let’s get ready to be fed with the best spiritual virgin food you have every received. If you have ever noticed that you will find the sick, lame, incurable diseases at theses revival crusades waiting for their miracle to happen all in one place, These are the souls of them wanting God, a spiritual power of God drawing them to be feed with spiritual soul food.  Do you see the picture that I am painting? This is why it is important to attend Church services, so that you will feel more of God to have a great desire to want more of God.  When you are in the privacy of your home, watching a church program on television would you get up off your couch and praise the Lord like you would as thou your in the church? Most of the people wouldn't praise the Lord like they would as in church. And this is why; the comfort of your home sweet home is a luxury for our life we have not made it to the true home sweet home yet. Going to a place of worship alerts you to fellowship with other believers, getting involved with church actives, support your church to build, and help strengthen the body of Christ. You can’t do that from just sitting down on that couch with that remote in your hand. Let’s get a jump start to a place of worship and make the church Jesus would be pleased with. I would like to ask you a question? What does the word church mean? Ephesians 1:22,23)And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.                                                                               After reading this verse does, this sound like the building is actually what he is targeting? In verse 23 which is the body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. We are the church not the building itself. (Ephesians 5:27)That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Do you think that Jesus is talking about the building in this verse? No, it is us, we are what Jesus wants without spot, or wrinkles and should be holy and without blemish. Jesus went away to prepare a place in heaven for us, and he left us with the instruction book. So that we may follow, and take charge to lead his church, the “flock” to live acceptable as he wants to find us, upon his arrival. The bible doesn’t tell us that we live in the church to become holy and acceptable while were in the building. We must be the walking temples were ever we go. We must always remember that, “He will come like a theft in the night not knowing the day or time when he will come. 

I remember when my daughter Dinah was writing a story. And one of her paragraphs read. GOD is coming like a thief in the night, but wouldn't be stealing anything, except for the glory in heaven, “praise the Lord”. We must be on alert at all times that we must be a vessel unto honor ready to meet the Lord without spot or wrinkle, holy and acceptable vessels, remember we are the church. (Ephesians 5:27)

I hope you got the idea about the fourth floor, understand church attendances, how important it is to attend a place of worship, to build a church for the master’s use. (II Timothy 2:20,21)But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

Didn't we have a praising good time on the fourth floor?

Pastor Rolando Ramos 

www.fghconline.com 

(Third Floor) Going shopping for the Lord

Are you ready for the third floor?

Great!!! We are heading for the third floor hurray!! This is Holiness floor; it’s time to pick up a new wardrobe, and a make-up job. If we’ve accept Jesus Christ into our life on the first floor we should be carrying the Holiness with us, because the word of the Lord, the book of direction, and instruction. Tells us that we must give our body to the Lord as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable unto him. (Romans 12:1)  ": I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

The Third floor is a doze, many people have the misconception about the word holiness, “be ye holy for I am holy” (I Peter 1:16) Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. This floor is as white as the beauty of the clouds in the sky. On the first floor God has heard your cry for forgiveness from you’re past sins, and forgiven you, means that all the things of old are passed and forgotten in the eyes of the Lord. (2 Peter 1:9) But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Let’s make example of washed in the blood of the Lord, and live the life. If you are invited to go to your friends house for dinner let’s say” and inside of his house are white rug, walls, carpet, furniture, etc; you get the picture” and you are knocking at the door and waiting to be invited into the house for dinner, and the door opens and your friend takes one good look at you, and you have greases hands, grease all over your clothe, and shoes. What would your friend say to you, shouldn’t you of taking a bath and prepared yourself to be cleaned up, Just imagine if you were at the front gate of heaven and Jesus would take one good look at you and found that you had a blemish on your white garment. He would turn you away, but how can God just turn him away for one little blemish on his garment? Why shouldn’t he? Well, if he would let the one into the gates of heaven he would also have to let the others as well. (Romans 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Matthew 7:13,14)Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. One white lie is as bad as a murder in the God’s eyes. A sin has no greater value of points then others it’s still sin. God said in the word its Holiness or Hell (Hebrew 12:14) Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. If you are not going to see the Lord where are you going? The word of the Lord said (Matthew 10:28)And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell; Hell was made for the devil and his angel’s and if you notice in this very next verse it said that the angels have sinned and are reserved for judgment. And that will also include us as well. ( 2 Peter 2:4) For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

 (Revelation 20:12)  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Let’s talk alittle more about Holy living. It consist of respectable outward appearance, that old world dressing is gone; it’s time to cover up. Holy living is not for the inside only. It works from the inside out. On this floor we are going to pick-up the new wardrobe, we are covering up the flesh more so that you may not cause others to sin in their hearts to lust after you. We also understand that in order to be modest in God’s eyes, our dresses, shirt’s need to fall below our knees—for any part exposed above the knee is considered nakedness in the eyes of God.  (Isaiah 47:2,3) Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers.
Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.

Webster’s dictionary defines the thigh as being the portion of the leg between the hip and the knee. Another verse that defines nakedness as an exposed thigh is this is

This verse applies to Men:

(Exodus 28:42,43)And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
43: And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him. As you noticed that the last part of this verse reads forever unto him and his seed after him, Means that we must keep the statute of living holy unto God in the way we dress both man, and female. As Christian, we must be aware of the sinfulness and shame of immodest apparel and protect our Christian influence by not seeking to be like the world. Romans 12:2 tells us “and be not conformed to the this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what (is) that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Bible principles, teach that it is shameful to allow our nakedness to be seen (Genesis 3:9,21) Exodus 20:26). Paul gave instruction in I Timothy 2:9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

“Shamefacedness” is the opposite of brazenness and simply means reserved or having the ability to blush. This passage not only condemns apparel that is seductive and enticing but also those who dress in such a way to draw attention but also those who dress in such a way to draw attention to themselves. So then, apparel that is gaudy and flashy or clothing that is inappropriate for certain occasions is also condemned by this passage (what may be appropriate in the privacy of one’s home might be inappropriate and therefore, immodest at a public gathering). Christian men are not excluded in their responsibilities to dress modestly, but are to be” an example of the believers, in word, in conversation (manner of life), in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity (I Timothy 4:12)

         When we were in the life style of sin we wore clothes to attract the opposite sex. If we were looking for a mate God would send the right person in your life to fulfill your hearts desires. We don’t have to dress like the world to become a target for one to lust after you, for the wrong reasons. “Men stop wearing those tight clothe that reveal much; as a zip lock bag vacuumed tight. And use your knowledge on what looks presentable when you’re outside. Woman should bring those skirts down, or replace them with longer dresses, cover up. We should understand God’s standards, once we are saved, it doesn’t take us long to understand that God considers it an abomination for a woman to dress like a man. (Deuteronomy 22:5) The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

    This is the people of this generation that disagree on these terms of holiness Why? The excuse is that this is modern times, and we should follow the changes, and God understands he only looks upon the heart. Remember the flesh is the weaker vessel; we have the flesh, and we have the spirit, and our soul. Let’s make example of God only looks upon the heart. What if I had earrings pieced all over may body, tattoo’s, my hair was multi colored, and dressed like a biker. Would you think that it maybe a little hard for me to witness to a lost soul looking for a change of hope? If it were me, I would think twice about listening to someone dress like that. I would wonder what kind of church he was attending looking like the world. But, remember they say, “God looks upon the heart”. (Matthews 5:16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good work, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

     Let your light shine before man that they may see the glory of the Lord. This means from the inside out. The way you conduct your daily business at work, or in this world, and the way you communication showing your respect for the Lord among sinners, and our fellow Christian. Let’s bloom in holiness for the Lord. (I Peter 2:11,12)Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. How does it feel when your outside and you are performing some type of activity that required physical work and your body is all sweaty and you feel unclean?  “Well, a shower or bath “do you feel refreshed?  I would agree to say yes” You see the inside of your body doesn’t receive the physical dirt of the world just like the example of the sweaty body, the flesh, and bones are protected on the inside of your body from the elements of the outside world. When you ask Jesus into your life we are going to receive a spiritual bath cleansing us from all your sins he will change your heart of stone to be flesh, that he may sow the word in it, and change that mind of sinful thought that a uncorrupt heart to be ready to serve righteous. Now that the inter-man is changed, the spiritual mind sees the outer-man a physical part of the image of the world. We can be changed, to shine from the inside out. It’s like noticing the sweaty body because our nature mind tells us that we need to be refreshed, and take a bath to be renewed. Lets show our righteous before man and look closely at the clothes that you wear, judge yourself to be approved (Jeremiah 13:22) And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, and thy heels made bare.

If you have understood that the third floor had to do with changing our outward apparel, and you picked up the right look for God we are ready for the fourth floor.

Pastor Rolando Ramos 

www.fghconline.com 

Going shopping for the Lord second floor

Second floor; called prayer

Has this ever happen to you? You entered a store and already knowing what you are going to pick up, and you find someone employed for the store catches your attention alerting you on a great opportunity advertising something that you were not intended to buy, and that person doing his job will try to get you to buy something you may never need. The Devil will work in the same matter as the one in the store trying to distract you, and change the plans that are written in your heart intended for the will of the Lord to carry out a mission you knew you had to do.  Has this ever happen to you, when you had the time to pray with unlimited time, and something comes up to distract you from this special time with the Lord, the phone rings, not usually common for it to ring at this time, a knock at the door, a salesman, a racket of noise, everyone on your block suddenly wanted to mow there lawns. Why? Those things suddenly happen on this day that you really want a strong prayer with the Lord? Can you take a guess why theses annoying distraction come in an inconvenient time? That old slue foot Himself, the Devil. He doesn't want you to pray to the Lord, fearing that you will get stronger, and find the best relationship with Christ Jesus. When seeking him, and giving him the special time between you, and God. Remember what Jesus went through in the wilderness, when he was fasting and praying with the father. This is a time you deeply seek the lord for your strength, direction, and prayers for others. 

(John 10:12)But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

Stick with the plan and watch for those salesman wasting your precious time trying to change your plans to divert your initiative interest for your purchase on what you really came for. You knew what you were going to buy. The Devil works like the salesman trying to distract you from your motivated action on what the Lord had you to do. (Luke 8:13)They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. Do you remember the story of when the Lord Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days, and 40 nights fasting, he didn’t go to the wilderness to take a rest, or take a vacation, my friend? Remember he wasn’t alone that old annoying Devil was doing his job while Jesus was doing his seeking for strength, and direction for our dead soul’s like the father said, he gave his only begotten son so we my live (John 3:16) our Lord Jesus Christ knew what he had to do in order for us to gain salvation for our soul’s. (Matthew 4:1-11) Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2: And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3: And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4: But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
5: Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
6: And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
7: Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
8: Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9: And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10: Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
11: Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
It’s like the person cunning you in getting you to signed up to a contract telling you that you have a limited time left before this special offer ends. It’s like the cunning works of the tricks of the Devil telling you, live it up! You only have one life to live, you will have plenty of time to repent, the world doesn’t show to many signs that the end of the world is near so, the devil will fill your mind with ideas that you could buy yourself some time to play, and the devil getting you think that you would be able to repent with plenty of time based on your own judgment on the condition of the world getting worst. Or, say to yourself am too young to get saved, I still have a long stretch of worldly fun. The bible says that the Lord Jesus will come like a theft in the night and you will not know the day or the hour that he will come. Lets exam this a little closely, when you walked in the store, and the store employee called you over to get you to purchase that product the store employee may have seen you with money hanging out of your pocket in which describes the weakness of Jesus at the wit end of the fast, and it caught his attention to cripple you of your needs to fulfill his true desire for the Lord’s work. What Jesus did for us, was a committed to accomplish his needs and used the word of God as his map to direction for answers to true desire. Now! You know how important prayer in our daily walk with the Lord can become to accomplish many obstacles alone the way.

Pastor Rolando Ramos 

www.fghconline.com 

Going shopping for the Lord

 We need direction on how to find the department store for the Lord, how do we find the answer to this question?

The word of the Lord gives us a way to be instructed you to understand direction and takes us were we need in the easiest way possible. When we are planning to go shopping we pretty much know what we are going to be looking for. This information came from a source that gives you information on price size color and where to find what you are looking for. The Bible, for instance the word of the Lord gives us information on how to get to know the one that knows the answers to direction. The word of the Lord gives us ensample base on other people’s lives on direction to go shopping for the Lord. What are we shopping for? Ok let’s go shopping. This department store is going to have 7 floors and we have a minimum amount of time to shop at all 7 floors and get what we need before the doors close. The most important thing we need is our guidebook to work our way through all 7 floors. And guess what that is??? And the answer is the Holy Bible.

Let’s begin at Floor number 1. We must be born again to enter in at the front door, Jesus hasn’t’ made it very hard to go to this department store and shop for the things we need all you have to do is ask. (Matthew 7:7) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. When we are asking the Lord into your life you are introducing yourself to him. When doing so, you’re letting him know your request. If I was to walk up to someone’s home, and I was at his or her front door, “wouldn’t you think I was there for a reason. “? knock knock” the person behind the door would answer, who’s there? Pastor Ramos I would reply” Good afternoon Mr. Johnson.  I would like to invite you to our bible study tomorrow night, and you and your family are more then welcome to come. “I would love to come Mr. Johnson relied; Thank you Pastor Ramos, for taking the time to come here and letting me know. When Jesus is knocking at your door of your heart he’s there for a reason he’s the answer to getting through the first steps into a closer and best relatationship with your direction. Let ask Jesus into your life first (John 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:3) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Ok, If you’ve ask Jesus Christ into your life by confusing your sin’s and you believed it from your heart, he has washed you in his precious blood. This is like the first breathe of life for a new born baby it is the begin of life as the baby matures in time it begins to learn new, and exciting things. To see with the eyes of vision, touch, smell, and walk, asking Christ into our life has the same concept. The word born again means we are starting a new life having a fresh start in life. It’s like a drunk living of the bottle trying to satisfy his heart for joy and finding none, when he seek for help and needs to be detoxify, and receive rehabilitation this is like asking Christ into your life and asking him to forgive you of all your pass sins and clean your life of the old man that you once was. **       (Matthew 26:28) For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Praise the name of Jesus you have made it through the front door and completed the first floor, and heading for the second floor. I am reminding you, we are going to this department store knowing what we really need. The second floor is called prayer. Visit our church blog tomorrow for the second floor. 

God Bless your day

Pastor Rolando Ramos 

www.fghconline.com  

God is not only in control, He knows everything!

                       

Job 37:16 "perfect in knowledge"

I John 3:20 "knoweth all things"

Psalm 147:4 "He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names."

Psalm 139:1,4 David's words:

"O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me."

Isaiah 46:10 "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done,"

When God said through the prophets that Messiah would be born in a certain place and be crucified between two evil doers, he was not speculating but stating what he has always known.  When he prophesied that Judas would betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and throw the money back to the priests, he knew exactly what choices people would make (compare Zechariah 11:13;

Matthew 27:3-7)

Zechariah 11:13  And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.

Matthew 27:3-7 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. 5And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. 7And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.

God even revealed to Elisha what would have happened if King Jehoash had struck the ground 5 or 6 times with arrows. 

II Kings 13:19  And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.

Matthew 11:21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

John 13:38  Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Let the Lord Jesus Christ into your life and he will direct your ways. 

May God Bless you

Rhonda Ramos 

www.fghconline.com 

10 Bible Verses about the God’s Will

I Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

I Peter 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Bibles Verses about God’s Promises

Romans 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according tothe will of God.

Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

John 6:38-40 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 

                                                   “My Challenge to you”

If you are not a Christian, I invite you to receive the hope and peace in your heart that only Jesus gives.

  To become a Christian, you must deal with Christ Jesus directly. In A quiet moment, bow your head and talk to him. In your own words say something like this:

 “Dear Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. I believe that you died and rose from the dead to save me from my sins. I want to be with you in heaven forever. God, forgive me of all my sins that I have committed against you. I here and now open my heart to you and ask you to come into my heart and life and be my personnel Savior. Amen.”

 If you say that to Christ and mean it, He will come in instantly. At once you will sense you have been transferred from the devil’s dominion to the kingdom of God. Read Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.                                   

Please visit our church website to hear the word of God in our sermons tab for audio message. 

www.fghconline.com

Pastor Rolando Ramos

Finding God’s Favor

Acts 17:27

“That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:”

**God is known in his creation, and he is close to every one of us. But he is not trapped in his creation---he is transcendent. God is the creator, not the creation. This means that God is sovereign and in control while at the same time he is close and personal. Let the creator of the universe rule your life. **

--Example:--

Mary was a chosen vessel to carry the Messiah, Jesus Christ of the Holy Ghost. She was very obedient and faithful towards God, and God had given her favor. She was a virgin with Child of the Holy Ghost.

The Word in my life:

What blessing do I need most from God? How can I feel the favor of God in my life? The Holy Ghost is God’s approval, acceptance, and blessing on our life. The Holy Ghost is the very real presence of God that we can feel. When we receive the Holy Ghost, we become part of God’s family; we belong, we matter, we are accepted. We are no longer outcasts or second-class citizens; we are part of His family.

*How do I prepare myself to feel the favor of God?*

Favor can be interpreted as suprising grace. If we want to feel the grace of God as Mary did, we must possess the same Qualities-Faith, Humility, and Obedience.

1.      Faith- Believe the Word of God

Hebrews 11:6

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

The first step toward feeling the favor of God is to believe what the bible teaches.

Romans 3:23

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

Humanity had lost favor with God because of sin, but through Jesus Christ we can be reconnected to God.

Romans 5:8

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

-What did Jesus Christ do to make it possible for me to feel God’s favor?

-Why do I need Faith to feel the favor of God?

2. Humility/Obedience-Repent of My Sins

2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

The Second step toward feeling the favor of God is repentance. We know that there is a step beyond simply believing. Paul told the believers he met in Ephesus that they also needed to be baptized and to receive the Holy Ghost.

Acts 19:1-6

“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.”

*Mark 1:8*

“I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize your with the Holy Ghost.”

*Why isn’t belief in Jesus enough to bring the favor of God into my life?*

1 John 1:5-7

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship on with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

What is repentance?

1. Deep sorrow, communion, or contrition for past sins, wrong doing.

2. Regret for any past action.

Why do I need to be baptized by immersion in the name of Jesus to feel the favor of God?

John 14:6

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

1 John 1:7

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

What are the three steps I need to take to prepare myself to receive the favor of God in my life?

-Faith

-Humility

-Obedience

*After you have repented and are obedient to God’s word regarding water baptism in the name of Jesus, you’re ready for the confirmation of God’s favor on your life—the Holy Spirit.*

Ephesians 1:13

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,”

The Bible is God’s message to humanity. God speaks to us through His written word.

2 Timothy 2:15

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Romans 10:14

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”

*The bible tells us in (John 4:24) that God is a spirit and often refers to God using the terms of Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit. An individual can actually feel the power of God dwelling inside. The Holy Ghost will give you the power to live a new life. It is the guarantee of your inheritance of eternal life—feeling the favor of God for endless ages!*

John 4:24

“God is a spirit : and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

What is the Holy Ghost?

John 14:15-17

“If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth in you, and shall be in you.”

How do I know that the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost is necessary for salvation?

John 3:4-6

“Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the spirit is spirit.”

Romans 8:9-11

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be that the spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in your, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you.”

Praise- A fitting response to the Holy Spirit in your life is praise. To understand God’s love for you and to feel His favor in your life brings spontaneous, eruptive praise to the One who offers unconditional acceptance!

Witness- Your life will be filled with Joy that will overflow to others. Just like Mary, feeling the favor of God involves bearing Jesus. We must take Jesus to others who have not yet experienced His gracious acceptance.

Did God hear the prayers of Cornelius? Did Cornelius receive the gift of the Holy Ghost? Was he baptized in Jesus’ name? (From Acts 10)

Cornelius was a God fearing Man strongly attracted to the Jewish teaching of monotheism (the belief in one God), as opposed to pagan idolatry and immorality, and to the concern expressed in the law of Moses concerning the helping the poor and needy. He is introduced in the book of Acts as a representative of thousands in the Gentile world who were weary of paganism and who were hungry for the coming of the Messiah-the Christ who would deliver them from their sins and lead them into an abundant, Spirit filled life. God sent a heavenly vision both to Cornelius and to Simon Peter. Obeying his vision, Cornelius sent some of his men to Joppa, to find peter. Peter, in turn, obeyed his vision (which he interpreted to mean that Gentiles were to be included in Christ’s message ) and went to Cornelius. While Peter was still preaching to Cornelius and his household, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And peter commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.

**Apply this to your life: By now you know that God is your loving Father who hears and answers your prayers. Your Heavenly Father wants only the best for your life, and He is no respect of persons. Continue to seek Him daily. As you pray repent of any wrongdoing; then ask your Father for His gift of the Holy Ghost. If you ask  Him, he will give it to you. When you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, you will speak in an unknown tongue, as God’s spirit gives you the ability.

By Dinah Ramos 

www.fghconline.com 

Hosea - God's Redeeming Love (1:1-3:5)

Hosea - God's Redeeming Love (1:1-3:5)

(1 John 4:9-10)

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation of our sins.”

INTRODUCTION

1. About the time that Amos (the "country prophet") was prophesying to

the northern kingdom of Israel, another prophet came on to the scene

a. His name was Hosea

b. Whose name means "salvation" (Joshua and Jesus are derived from

the same word)

2. While the audience was the same, there were some differences...

a. Amos was from Judah (Tekoa); Hosea appears to have been from

Israel

 [In this lesson, the first of several on Hosea, we will see why Hosea

was so sympathetic, even as he condemned his own people for their sins.

Let's start with some...]

I. BACKGROUND MATERIAL

A. THE MAN...

 We read of his wife

(Gomer and his children)

Hosea 1:3

“So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived and bare him a son. and his children...

a.  Jezreel, a son -

Hosea 1:4

“And the Lord said unto him, Call his name Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel.”

b.  Lo-Ruhamah, a daughter –

Hosea 1:6

“And she conceived again, and bare a daughter, And God said unto him, Call her name Lo-ruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away.”

c.  Lo-Ammi, another son –

Hosea 1:8-9

“Now when she had weaned Lo-ruhamah, she conceived, and bare a son. Then said God, call his name Lo-ammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God.”

-- Through his family, the basic message of Hosea will be

illustrated (see below)

C. BACKGROUND OF THE TIMES...

 The northern kingdom of Israel was on its last legs...

a. Sin was even more rampant than seen in the book of Amos

b. Religious, moral, and political corruption was rampant

3. One word sums the condition of the nation of Israel:  harlotry

(whoredom, KJV), used thirteen times throughout the book

D. KEY TO UNDERSTANDING THE BOOK...

1. An analogy is made between Hosea's experience with Gomer, and

the Lord's experience with Israel

II. HOSEA'S FAMILY, AND THE ANALOGY WITH ISRAEL

A. ISRAEL'S REJECTION SYMBOLIZED... (1:2-9)

1. Hosea commanded to marry "a wife of harlotry" –

Hosea 1:2-3

“The beginning of the word of the Lord by Hosea. And the Lord said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms, departing from the Lord. So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived, and bare him a son.”

a. Her name was Gomer

b. If the parallel between Gomer and Israel is exact, then she

was not a harlot at the time of the marriage; but her

background would prompt her to become one

c. She certainly would come to symbolize what Israel had

become

2. Gomer bears three children

a. The first son is named "Jezreel"

1) Which means "God scatters", or "God sows"

2) His name prefigured God's judgment on the ruling house

of Israel –

b. The daughter is named "Lo-Ruhamah"

1) Which means "no mercy"

2) Her name describes God's attitude toward Israel, though

Judah still found grace in God's sight –

 Hosea 1:6-7

“And she conceived again, and bare a daughter. And God said unto him, call her name Lo-ruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away. But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the Lord their God, and will not save them by bow, nor sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen.”

3) Some suggest that the daughter (and the son to follow)

were not Hosea's

a) Note it does not say she bore "him" (Hosea) a

daughter, as before

b) I.e., Gomer had become a harlot - cf.

Hosea 2:4

“And  I will not have mercy upon her children; for they be the children of whoredoms.”

c. The second son is named "Lo-Ammi"

1) His name means "not my people"

2) Thus God declares his rejection of Israel –

Hosea 1:8-9

“Now when she had weaned Lo-ruhamah, she conceived, and bare a son. Then said God, call his name Lo-ammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God.”

B. ISRAEL'S RESTORATION FORETOLD... (1:10-2:1)

1. Though cast off, God promises a restoration

2. There might be a reference to the restoration from Assyrian

and Babylonian captivity

3. However, both Paul and Peter apply this promise to believing

Jews and Gentile in the church –

 Romans 9:25-26

“As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in place where it said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.”

 1Peter 2:10

“which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”

C. ISRAEL'S UNFAITHFULNESS... (2:2-13)

1. Condemnation for her sinful conduct –

 Hosea 2:2-5

“Plead with your mother, plead: for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband: let her therefore put away her whoredoms out of her sight, and her adulteries from between her breasts; lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst. And will not have mercy upon her children; for they be the children of whoredoms. For their mother hath played the harlot: she that conceived them hath done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink.”

a. Charges of harlotry and adultery

b. No mercy on her children, as the children of harlotry

-- God's rage for Israel's unfaithfulness described in terms

of an enraged husband who learns not only of his wife's

adultery, but that the children are not his

2. Punishment for her sinful conduct –

Hosea 2:6-13

“Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths.7And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find them: then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now.8For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal.9Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness.10And now will I discover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and none shall deliver her out of mine hand.11I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts.12And I will destroy her vines and her fig trees, whereof she hath said, These are my rewards that my lovers have given me: and I will make them a forest, and the beasts of the field shall eat them.13And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.”

a. God will prevent Israel from finding her lovers

b. God will take away the blessings and the feasts that Israel

enjoyed

c. God will destroy what Israel has used to commit spiritual

harlotry

-- Israel's sin was foremost her idolatry (cf. references to

"Baal"); God viewed such idolatry as a form of "harlotry"!

D. ISRAEL'S RESTORATION DESCRIBED... (2:14-23)

1. Using a "wilderness", God will win her back, just as He did in

the days of Moses and Joshua –

Hosea 2:14-15

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the vally of achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in  the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.”

2. God will establish a covenant of peace and safety, and betroth

Israel to Him once again –

Hosea 2:18-20

“And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down to safely. And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the Lord.”

4. God will once again bless them, and be merciful to them as His

people –

 Hosea 2:21-23

“And it shall come to pass in that day, I will hear, saith the Lord, I will hear the heavens, and they shall hear the earth; And the earth shall hear the corn, and the wine, and the oil; and they shall hear Jezreel. And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.”

-- While there may be references to the restoration from

captivity, it also foreshadows the age of the Messiah and His

spiritual blessings –

 Romans 9:24-26

 “even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.26And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.”

E. ISRAEL'S RESTORATION SYMBOLIZED... (3:1-5)

1. Hosea is charged to love an adulterous woman –

Hosea 3:1-3

“and I said unto her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for another man: so will I also be for thee.”

a. Most take this to be Gomer, who had gone into harlotry

b. Hosea takes her back, though with a period of probation

2. Symbolizing God's willingness to take Israel back –

Hosea 3:4-5

“For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim: afterward shall the children of Israel return and seek the Lord their God, and David their king; and shall fear the Lord and his goodness in the latter days.”

a. Also with a probationary period, in which there be no king,

sacrifices, etc.

b. But Israel would return, and seek the Lord and David their

king (the Messiah?)

Matthew 21:8-9

“And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.”

CONCLUSION

1. In these first three chapters, it appears God used Hosea to teach

Israel an object lesson...

a. Through Hosea's experience with Gomer, God provided Israel a

concrete illustration of what His relationship with Israel had

been like

b. Israel had played the harlot; but God would take her back,

following a period of punishment and probation

-- Keeping this analogy in mind will assist our understanding of the

remaining chapters

2. A lesson to be learned from this analogy is how God views apostasy:

spiritual harlotry!

a.  Christians, we are "betrothed to Christ –

2Corinthians 11:2

“For I am a jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”

b. But we too can become spiritual harlots" if we are not careful!

- 2Corintians 11:3

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”

**Keeping Christ first in our lives can be very difficult when we have so many distractions threatening to sidetrack our faith. As Eve lost her focus by listening to the serpent, we, too, can lose our focus by letting our lives become overcrowded and confused. **

Are we being true to our betrothal?  May the words of the Lord in Hosea

encourage us to remain ever faithful:

 (Hosea 2:19-20)

“And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the Lord.”

By Dinah Ramos 

www.fghconline.com