Christian resources hub

Opening question Share with the group what you like to grow in the garden and any success stories you've had with your garden. If you really don't like gardening, then share with the group what you would rather be creating, building or growing. Study Read Hosea 13:1-16. When you look back over Hosea, there is no doubt that God is patient, willing to heal, relent from disaster and turn from wrath. What do we learn from the following verses about why judgement is finally coming to Israel (Hosea 13:1, 2, 6, 9-10, 12-13, 16)? What do we learn from the following verses about what the wrath of God will be like for Israel (Hosea 13:3, 4, 7-11, 15)? God's justice is always right and good. Why does the Bible encourage us not to take justice into our own hands and leave vengeance to God? When do you find this most difficult? Read Hosea 14:1-9 God's final word in Hosea is one of repentance, restoration, hope, beauty, righteousness and relationship. Which vs in chapter 14 causes ...

Opening question Have you ever created something new from something old, recycled or discarded? What was it? Briefly describe the process you went through. Study In this chapter, Hosea refers to the life of Jacob. Read some key moments from Jacob's life: Genesis 25:24-27 Genesis 27:15-23 Genesis 32: 9-12 Genesis 32:22-28 Hosea 12:1-5 What are some of the transformations that took place in Jacob's life? When Jacob wrestles with God, God blesses him and gives him a new name. How would this have impacted Jacob? The theme of new identity is all throughout scripture. What life experiences with God have shaped your identity? Read Hosea 12:6-8 Hosea uses Jacob's fervour and pursuit of God to encourage Israel to do the same. He gives a process to follow: Return, hold fast, wait continually. In your Christian life, how do you hold fast to love and justice: in your workplace? with your money? When you feel like waiting for Jesus to return or God to answer prayer is taking to long, ...

Opening question Imagine you were a judge on a panel for "Father of the Year". What would you be looking for (your criteria)? Study Read Hosea 11:1-11. What can we learn about God as a father and what he is like from this passage? What distorted/incorrect images of God as father might we have, possibly learnt from our own earthly fathers? When would a father experience joy and delight? When would a father experience pain and sorrow? After all Hosea has said so far and God has experienced with his evil children, his compassion still grows warm. What are some of your happiest memories of someone showing you compassion? Why can compassion and forgiveness be so hard for us to give? Are there things you can/need to forgive people in your own family (for example, parents, siblings or children) or ways you can show compassion because your heavenly father has shown you compassion? Pray for children and families. Artwork  © Alison Gilmour

Opening question When have you been in danger? What happened and how did safety come? Study Divide your study group into 3 groups and allocate 1 chapter to each group from Hosea 8, 9 and 10. In your groups, read through your allocated chapter and make 2 lists: List 1:  The sins/evil done. List 2:  The warnings of judgement to come and what will happen (i.e. the consequences, any warning signs). Share/discuss with the whole group your group's 2 lists. Read and consider the following New Testament parallels: Ephesians 5:11-12 1 Thessalonians 4:6 Galatians 6:8 Revelation 6:16 Hebrews 12:18-29 How does God warn our generation today based on these NT passages? If you were creating a billboard size sign to hang inside your church building, what are 5 important statements you would want to write on it? Consider making a poster to represent this and put it up in your own house. What does it look like to live your life reverently and in awe before God (Hebrews 12:28)? When you get to...

Opening question Have you ever had something stolen? Share with the group what happened. Study Read 2 Kings 15:8-31 which details some of lives of the rulers of Israel at the time of Hosea. Pay particular attention to how each king died. What are some things that stood out to you as you read? If you lived during this time and were asked to give a speech to the nation, what are some things you would say? Read Hosea 6:7 - 7:16 List the sins of Israel and Judah. What does Hosea 7:1,13,14,15 reveal about how God treats and desires to treat Israel? Read Jude 1:17-23 In what ways can the church today be like Israel? What does it look like practically to build yourself up in the faith, pray in the Holy Spirit and keep yourselves in the love of God? Who (general or specific) comes to mind that needs saving and snatching out of the fire? What do you find difficult about evangelism conversations or conversations involving rebuking a brother/sister in love? Artwork  © Alison Gilmour