Hosea 10:1 (KJV) Phony Fruit

Hosea 10:1 (KJV)
Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images.

What a powerful and picturesque passage. Albert Barnes describes it as a vine that has luxurious leaves, splendid to look at, but void of fruit. It has expended all its growth on vines but has nothing left for fruit.

This is so often the case with modern Christianity. We have developed systems so that we grow to ourselves. We have: 

• Preaching with eloquence, 
• Buildings of splendor, 
• Congregations in the multitudes. 

We have professing believers, and money to finance our projects. We advertise our programs in periodicals and invite others to come to learn from us. But we are shallow, without doctrine, of little influence in the world.

In many cases, we have defined our own fruit. We have decided for ourselves what is valuable produce. In so doing we have avoided the hard truth that we are without that which the Lord values. 

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

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Hosea 10:1 (KJV) Phony Fruit

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