I read the book of Hosea this morning. It is a very sad book about how God has been faithful to the people of Israel and Judah, and about how unfaithful Israel (and, Judah) has been to God. The Word of the Lord comes to Hosea, telling Hosea to go and take a prostitute for a wife, so that Hosea can experience and express what God has gone through with his people, Israel.
The prophet's language is full of anger and pain, speaking again and again of the "whoredom" of Israel, and the "adultery" Israel has "between her breasts." It is language that comes from someone who is hurting. And, that is the way God is revealed in this prophetic book. Also, in this writing, we hear God vowing to "not forgive," and then turning around and saying he "will forgive" and restore. At one point, the Word of God and the heart of God pours out words like this: "My heart recoils within me, my compassion returns. How can I give you up, O Israel!?"
This prophetic book brings home a number of things, but one thing is this: God is in a deeply real relationship with human beings, God is more deeply "human" than we are, and more moved by torn relationships than we are.
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Some words from one of the pastors at Fourth United Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.,a new church established on February 7, 2009 by the Presbytery of East Tennessee. Our church is the result of the union of 1st United Presbyterian Church (est. 1877) and 4th Presbyterian Church (est. 1886). Our building is located at the corner of Glenwood and Broadway in Knoxville, TN.
Meeting Times at 4th United Presbyterian Church
Cafe' Worship: 9:15 a.m. each Sunday in Gathering Hall (activities provided for children; coffee; snacks)
Adult Sunday School: 10 a.m.
Sunday Worship: 11 a.m.
Bible Study: each Thursday at 6 p.m.
Community Forum: last Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. with meal (no community forum in November, 2011)
Adult Sunday School: 10 a.m.
Sunday Worship: 11 a.m.
Bible Study: each Thursday at 6 p.m.
Community Forum: last Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. with meal (no community forum in November, 2011)
About the 4th United Presbyterian Bible Blog
Posts on this blog are from me, Rev. George H. Waters, one of the two organizing co-pastors of 4th United Presbyterian Church. Our other organizing pastor was Rev. Sonya McAuley-Allen, who is now pastor of a church in Charlotte, N.C. Since June of 2011, Rev. Elizabeth Peterson has been our parish associate pastor for new church development. The earliest posts are sermon notes from the few I have typed the last two years. Then, there is a series of notes posted on the book of Romans. After that, it varies from week to week, sometimes church news, sometimes reflections on a happening, a passage of scripture, or even some pictures. This blog is meant to open the conversation we have going on in our church to others in our community.
The picture below is of our church's sanctuary, built in 1913.
The picture below is of our church's sanctuary, built in 1913.
"Do not give your heart to that which does not satisfy your heart."
- Abba Poeman
- Abba Poeman
Members
About Me
- Rev. G.H. Waters
- I am the stated-supply pastor of 4th United Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Knoxville, Tennessee. I was the stated supply pastor at 1st United Presbyterian Church on the Knoxville College Campus from Sept., 1995 through Jan., 2009. On February 7, 2009, 1st United Presbyterian and 4th Presbyterian were united to form a new church, 4th United Presbyterian. I am also an Assistant District Public Defender in Maryville, TN.
QUOTE FOR THE MONTH
"A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity." - Proverbs 17:17
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