Join us as we continue our series in Revelation. Today we zoom into Jesus' personal letters to the churches, looking at the first two churches, Ephesus and Smyrna. These are two churches heading in opposite directions. Externally, the one that seems to be thriving is internally dying, and the one that is externally dying is internally thriving. What does this tell us about our own spirituality and our own church, The Well? How might we apply this ancient truth to our lives and churches? Join us as we worship through this Text together.

Join us as we begin our series in Revelation, this week looking at John's first vision. Why does Revelation begin not with what the book is, why it is important, etc., but with a picture of Jesus? Might this be a hint and a clue for how to read the entire book? After introducing the book John begins his revelation with Jesus, because, spoiler alert, this entire book is really about Jesus! Join us as we worship Jesus together.

In <span class="wa-st-ref" data-ref="Hosea 6:1-6" tabindex="0">Hosea 6:1-6</span>, Israel's words of "return" to God sound right, but mask a repentance that is shallow rather than truly surrendered. God exposes this and says what He actually desires isn't religion or legalism, but steadfast, faithful love and intimate knowledge of Him. That love is only possible because Jesus Himself lived it perfectly and offers it to us, inviting us out of religious performance and into a real relationship with Him.

Just as Gomer wandered from her marriage, we see God’s people wandering toward anything that promises a quick fix or a sense of control. In Chapter 3 we see Gomer ending up in slavery — and Hosea goes to free her. He pays whatever is demanded. This is more than a touching moment in a marriage; it’s a portrait of what God does for us in Christ. Christ didn’t negotiate our freedom from sin, he purchased it, at full cost to himself on the cross. Christ redeems us from the slavery of sin, and he has defeated sin and death on our behalf.

Join us as we continue this fascinating book of Hosea looking this week at the tough and tender love of God. As Gomer goes into prostitution, leaving her husband, God draws the parallel and analogy that Israel has done the same with God. God, painting Himself as a Husband (which is fascinating in and of itself!) begins to show what he is going to do as a result of this. After showing what Israel's sin is doing to her, God does a ridiculous, overwhelming reversal. When God should punish, instead He pursues. And if we see that this story isn't just true for Hosea's original audience, but for us as well, it will forever change our perspective of God, and the way we live out our faith in Him. To receive love like this is almost too much for the soul. Join us as we study this together.