Henry Williams

by Pastor John Eiselt

Have you ever read something in the Bible that left you scratching your head, trying to figure out what on earth it meant? Perhaps you understand the story itself, but it’s bewildering to try to apply it to your life today.

Photo by Evan Dennis on Unsplash. — Photo by Evan Dennis on Unsplash.

Even more difficult and disturbing is when we read a story or passage in the Bible that seems to reveal something about God that is troubling and inconsistent with the loving God the Bible seems to be pointing to.

The story we’re looking at this weekend has all of these things. The book of Hosea holds some beautiful truth about who God is, but it's packaged in a story that may leave us scratching our heads. That is until we look at it through the lens of the bigger story God is telling.

When we read this weekend's story in the broader context of God’s story, it reveals an incredible truth about who God is, what he is doing, and what that means for you, me, and the entire world.

This weekend we’ll dive into this story and discover the truth it's pointing us towards, and how this truth impacts how we see God, and how we live our everyday lives.

We are the church, whether we are gathered or scattered--each one of us, a part of the body of Christ, wherever we go, whatever we do. So, where can you find us, and what are we doing?

It was C.J.'s first-time painting. He joined our Hearts & Hammer crew in September, helping fix a house for a family in need. He's from southern China and working on a Ph.D. at the U of M. He's pictured with Five Oaker Kevin Johnson. The co… — It was C.J.'s first-time painting. He joined our Hearts & Hammer crew in September, helping fix a house for a family in need. He's from southern China and working on a Ph.D. at the U of M. He's pictured with Five Oaker Kevin Johnson. The connection and invitation **was** made when some of our men's ministry leaders helped serve a meal for Chinese students through the ministry to international students that several Five Oakers participate in. The next serve opportunity is in December.

That's Five Oaker Laurie Dorenkamp (center). She and Jay (off to the right) are on a very specialized team that helps new families check in their kids and then gives personalized help to a guest and encourages them on to their next step in our conne… — That's Five Oaker Laurie Dorenkamp (center). She and Jay (off to the right) are on a very specialized team that helps new families check in their kids and then gives personalized help to a guest and encourages them on to their next step in our connection pathway. The ministry is pretty new and called Concierge. We're getting great feedback from first-time guests.

That's Five Oaker Charles Bryant (blue jacket and hat) at the Student Ministries retreat, Camp Getaway. Charles brought three of his friends to this life-impacting weekend with 70 other students and 15 adult leaders.

Five Oaker Lesley Schlegel is headed to the GVCM orphanage in Haiti again this week with two Five Oaks college students. Next to her is fifteen-year-old Maselore. Maselore has lived at the orphanage since she was 3. Her mother is alive but does… — **Five Oaker Lesley Schlegel** **is headed** to the GVCM orphanage in Haiti again this week with two Five Oaks college students. Next to her is fifteen-year-old Maselore. Maselore has lived at the orphanage since she was 3. Her mother is alive but doesn't come to see her. Ask Lesley why she keeps going back (this will be her 11th time), and she says it's because of Jesus and the love and hope he has given her. Last June Lesley watched as Maselore led a woman from her village to a relationship with Christ.

That's Five Oaker Bennett Eiselt at last year's Fall Fun Fest. He may have been caught up in the moment but that night he said, "Best night of my life." Our Fun Team puts on these kinds of events with the help of so many other Five Oakers, providing… — That's Five Oaker Bennett Eiselt at last year's Fall Fun Fest. He may have been caught up in the moment but that night he said, "Best night of my life." Our Fun Team puts on these kinds of events with the help of so many other Five Oakers, providing great family experiences and invite opportunities.

Alex Hovda (center) is a youth director in Minneapolis, a student at the U of M, and the local Young Life Director. Alex grew up at Five Oaks and interned with us. I was at the annual Young Life banquet Sunday night and again was deeply impress… — Alex Hovda (center) is a youth director in Minneapolis, a student at the U of M, and the local Young Life Director. Alex grew up at Five Oaks and interned with us. I was at the annual Young Life banquet Sunday night and again was deeply impressed not only with Young Life's ministry philosophy and their **work,** **but also with Alex's development as a leader and communicator.**

Have you ever been confused by the Bible?

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