A Gift From Hosea Chapter 10

¹Israel is a luxuriant vine that yields its fruit. The more his fruit increased, the more altars he built; as his country improved, he improved his pillars.

        In the Jews' dissolution into two conflicting kingdoms, I see the schism of God's church into denominations and doctrinal camps. Old line denominations fit Israel's description in verse 1 above: Though they became separate entities, they, like Israel, became a luxuriant vine, producing much material gain. But the more prosperous they became, the more they accepted and honored the world's humanistic principles. In essence, they've built more alters to worship their multiple gods of political correctness, along with the lipservice they still offer their namesake, Christ Jesus.

² Their heart is false; now they must bear their guilt. The Lord will break down their altars and destroy their pillars.

        Here is a promise upon which the remnant of God's church is counting. Liberal religionists stand among the ranks of secular progressives and humanists saying, "Why can't we all just get along? We must embrace our diversity and learn from those with whom we have historically disagreed. As all truth is God's Truth, many ways lead to God in His many manifestations."
        Now, doesn't that sound tolerant? The problem with such ecumenical philosophy is Scripture contradicts it. Yes, Jesus preached love and tolerance, but only as a redemptive outreach. Jesus was as hard on his religious contemporaries as he was easy on those struggling under the religious brand of "sinner." Not once did He approve of their sin, but he always affirmed their human value and urged them to repent and believe.