This sermon by James Fetterly focuses on the book of Hosea, specifically Hosea 8, to discuss the themes of God's covenant with His people and the consequences of breaking that covenant. The sermon opens with an exploration of prophecy, emphasizing its dual role in calling both the unregenerate to repentance and the remnant to righteousness.
In Hosea 8, Israel is admonished for its unfaithfulness to God. They have transgressed the covenant by setting up their own idols and altars, despite God giving them His laws and statutes. Even though God would have lavished His laws upon them, they find these laws "strange," reflecting a spiritual apathy and ignorance.
The sermon highlights God's response to Israel's unfaithfulness: He will not accept their sacrifices and will remember and punish their iniquity. Israel is warned that their rebellion will lead them back into bondage, similar to their time in Egypt. They have forgotten their Maker and instead put their trust in their own achievements, like palaces and fortified cities.
Fetterly concludes by urging the listeners to heed the warnings of Hosea. Whether one is unregenerate or part of the remnant, the response to God's impending judgment for unconfessed, unrepentant sin should be the same: repentance. He reassures that God’s scales are tilted toward mercy and His love is unfailing. If people confess their sins, God is faithful and just to forgive them. The sermon ends with a prayer asking for God's Holy Spirit to convict and comfort, praising God for His steadfast love, mercy, kindness, and grace.
