In the mid-l9th century...
Illustration
In the mid-l9th century, Rev. George Porter announced to his congregation one Sunday that he had become an atheist, and was withdrawing from the ministry. This came as a great shock to his congregation since he was a brilliant young preacher.
For the next five years Porter tried to live without God, but he continually became aware of his need of God. He knew that even though he had strayed from his calling, God still loved him and wanted to be his spiritual father. He had become a prodigal son, but he knew that the Almighty would forgive him of his wrong and accept him back into a spiritual relationship again. Five years after he had made his announcement to his congregation, Porter surrendered his life to God and applied for readmission into the ministry. For the rest of his life he proclaimed through his speaking and writing how impossible he had found it to live without God.
Israel tried to live without God, but Hosea reminds them that God cares about them and still loves them. He will accept them back and give them hope for a new day.
For the next five years Porter tried to live without God, but he continually became aware of his need of God. He knew that even though he had strayed from his calling, God still loved him and wanted to be his spiritual father. He had become a prodigal son, but he knew that the Almighty would forgive him of his wrong and accept him back into a spiritual relationship again. Five years after he had made his announcement to his congregation, Porter surrendered his life to God and applied for readmission into the ministry. For the rest of his life he proclaimed through his speaking and writing how impossible he had found it to live without God.
Israel tried to live without God, but Hosea reminds them that God cares about them and still loves them. He will accept them back and give them hope for a new day.
