Tuesday Morning Bible Study

by Jonathon Hutchison

The Tuesday Morning Bible Study Class has spent lots of time recently studying New Testament Scripture as well as faith based non-fiction books. Beginning on March 2, 2021 and continuing for six or eight weeks, our class will study the Old Testament book of Hosea.

Studying a book of the Old Testament was chosen for several reasons: 1) it’s been some time since we studied the Old Testament, 2) the Old Testament scriptures deal with God and God’s relationship with a reluctant and confused humankind (sounds pretty relevant to present times), and 3) I really like the book of Hosea.

Since I spoke up, I was enlisted to teach the class. I am excited to do so. Even better, Ron Purser has agreed to teach the class along with me. Ron will bring a wealth of historical context and scholarship to our discussions. He and I have taught classes together in the past and we are both excited about the challenges of interpreting and sharing with you the relatively short book of Old Testament Scripture.

There are three main themes in the Book of Hosea. Each theme describes a break or split in the relationship of God and God’s people. Sometimes it is easier to use dramatic examples of human behavior to get across the messages found in scripture. That’s the case with the Book of Hosea. You will find drama, emotion, discomfort, and challenge in this scripture.  

This study is particularly relevant for the times in which we are living. For instance, how many folks do you know that believe in God but have stopped coming to church? How many folks do you know that are confused about God and God’s presence in the lives of people like you and me? And how many folks do you know that wonder if God is in charge of all that’s happening now and wondering how it will all turn out?

While we have these questions today, the people to whom Hosea spoke had the same questions based on the times in which they lived. Hosea tells of the struggles of God’s people and how in the end, God’ protection, love, forgiveness and blessing are offered to all the people of Israel.

The questions we have about God at work in our lives are not new. And the hope God has offered the people in the past, is the same hope that we are promised by God and God’s love for us.

I hope you will join us beginning March 2, 2021. We probably will meet via Zoom at first, so please contact Pastor Melissa for the link to hook up to Zoom. All you’ll need is a good study Bible, perhaps a journal to keep track of your questions and observations, and a willingness to jump into a study that will be challenging to us all. In the end, the gift of hope and joy we will receive will be worth all the studying.