I will commit myself to you forever ...in steadfast love and tender compassion. (Hosea 2:19)The prophet Hosea used the heart-rending story of his marriage to an unfaithful wife as a moving object lesson of the pain which God felt when his people Israel rejected his love. Rather than worshipping the true God, who had brought them out of slavery in Egypt, the nation had reverted to worshipping idols to such an extent that God was compelled to use the words of the divorce formula and say to them "you are not my people."Yet remarkably, when Hosea's wife left him for another man, God's command to the prophet was for him love his wife again, and take her back to his home-that by doing so he might illustrate the grace and unending love of God toward his erring people-the relationship was to be restored! In the midst of serious warnings for the unrepentant, the book of Hosea offers hope that no matter how far a relationship may have broken down, there are none which cannot be restored. In particular, our relationship with God can be renewed by his forgiveness and grace.

The virtually unknown prophet Amos bursts onto the pages of history with a warning relevant to his time. He confronts the nation of Israel with the unchanging nature of God and warns them to repent before judgment falls. As we study a period in the history of a nation that had turned its back on God, we draw disturbing parallels with our own time. With verse by verse commentary and explanatory notes, Amos: A Warning for Today provides a simple introduction to the study of a period of backsliding in Israel's history - and the warning from the prophet which read through modern eyes appears so relevant to our present time. PLUS: LIFE APPLICATION NOTES & STUDY QUESTIONS FOR EACH CHAPTER CONNECT THE LESSONS OF AMOS TO YOUR OWN LIFE SITUATION! SUITABLE FOR HOME GROUPS, CHURCHES AND INDIVIDUALS BUILD YOURSELVES UP IN THE MOST HOLY FAITH Reviews Amos was a shepherd from the southern part of Jerusalem who God called to leave his homeland and prophesy to the Northern Kingdom--Israel. Amos prophesies of judgment to Judah, Israel, and the surrounding nations. Israel specifically has rebelled against God. It has become complacent because of its wealth, idolatrous as it worshiped false gods, and unjust as it oppressed the poor. Though Amos prophesies of God's judgment to Israel, he also continually intercedes for them throughout the book--asking God to be merciful (Amos 7). This book certainly has many applications and warnings for the people of God today. Mathew Bartlett and Derek Williams skillfully bring out the historical background, the meaning, and the applications in The Prophecy of Amos: A Warning for Today. With each verse, commentary is provided to help the reader understand and apply the text. Here is an example of the rich applications in considering Amos' background as a shepherd from Amos 1:1: "God's choice of Amos shows how God calls the weak and ordinary instead of the wise and strong. (1 Cor. 1:26-27). Amos was a nobody, but God revealed Himself to Amos through His word, just as today He reveals Himself to all who put their faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ." This commentary is a breath of fresh air. It is easy to read and brings out the urgent message of the book of Amos for today. Lord, please give us ears to hear! - Greg Brown, Author / Publisher at The Bible Teacher's Guide, Chaplain at Handong Global University and LCDR, Chaplain at United States Navy Reserve

The encouragement which Zechariah's prophecies brought to the Jews at the time of their return from exile helped them to rebuild not only their temple but also their national identity, as the prophet urged them to action and whole-hearted service for God. Yet Zechariah's message of hope pointed beyond the glory of the temple to one greater than the temple: the Anointed One (Messiah) who would become both priest and king forever over all nations. Thus his message is one which should inspire commitment and service in the lives of Christian believers today. About the Authors Mathew Bartlett is a Pastor and Christian educator from the United Kingdom. He holds a master's degree in Biblical studies from the University or Chester, England. Derek Williams, who served as a finance manager and as a church leader for over 40 years, is now retired.

Discover how the elevation of Esther to the throne as Queen of Persia brought worldwide salvation for the Jews. With verse by verse commentary and explanatory notes, Esther: Queen of Persia provides a simple introduction to the study of one of the most remarkable incidents in Israel's history - the rise to power of Esther, the orphan Jewess who saved her people from destruction. The Faithbuilders Bible Study Guide helps you connect the lessons of Esther to your own life. With a simple explanation of the text, clear life application notes and challenging study questions, this book shows just how relevant the Bible is for our times. SUITABLE FOR HOME GROUPS, CHURCHES AND INDIVDIUALS.

A simple verse by verse guide to the Gospel of Matthew for individual or group use. Every chapter has thought provoking discussion questions to aid study and sample answers are provided. "These studies have helped me stand in the most difficult times of my life" "I feel that I have grown spiritually through the study of God's Word" Faithbuilders Bible study guides will lead you to a deeper appreciation of God's Word and its relevance for your life today! Faithbuilders studies provide verse-by-verse examination of the books of the New Testament. The series was developed over a long period as a useful resource for today's students of God's Word. Every study has been field tested and improved over and over again in real-life church situations. Challenging and relevant, whilst avoiding academic language, hundreds of pastors, home group leaders and Christians from a wide range of church backgrounds have already benefitted from using Faithbuilders studies. About the Authors Mathew Bartlett has been in full-time Christian ministry since 1999. He holds a Master's Degree in Biblical Studies from the University of Chester, England Derek Williams is now retired, having been a local pastor and preacher for over 45 years in the UK.

The Gospel of Mark: Bible Study Guide: A verse by verse guide with thought-provoking questions and sampel answers. "These studies have helped me stand in the most difficult times of my life" "I feel that I have grown spiritually through the study of God's Word" Faithbuilders studies will lead you to a deeper appreciation of God's Word and its relevance for your life today! Faithbuilders Bible studies provide verse-by-verse examination of the books of the New Testament. Challenging and relevant, whilst avoiding academic language, hundreds of pastors, home group leaders and Christians from a wide range of church backgrounds have already benefitted from using the Faithbuilders studies. Every chapter has thought provoking questions to aid study and sample answers are provided. Authors: Pastor Mathew Bartlett, BSc, MA Biblical Studies (Chester), Pastor Derek Williams