No Empty Word: Relentless Pursuit, a Study on Hosea

by Paula Miles

Persistent, incessant, unwavering, and persevering—relentless. Filled with shocking language and uncomfortable spiritual realities, the book of Hosea is the graphic story of our holy God’s deep love, relentless pursuit, and transformation of His faithless and sinful people. With plot twists expected in a romantic movie, God called the prophet Hosea to marry and love the unfaithful prostitute, Gomer, to live out the reality of God’s relationship with Israel—and us. Bible teacher Paula Miles guides readers through a “behind-the-scenes” study of the prophet’s dramatic story and our place within it. Experience the relentless pursuit of the Lord. Teaching videos available. Paula Miles is wife to Kevin, mother of four, and grandmother. She grew up in Anderson, SC, and graduated from Clemson University. She currently serves as women's ministry coordinator at Clemson Presbyterian Church where she has been on staff since 2014. Studying and teaching God’s Word is her passion along with encouraging and equipping women as they walk with Jesus. A conference and retreat speaker, she serves on the PCA's Discipleship Ministries (CDM) National Women’s Ministry Team as a trainer.

Genres: Nonfiction

164 pages

Published May 5, 2024

Reviews

[Ashley luhrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I must say that this has been the most convicting yet encouraging book study that I have ever done. I never knew that the book of Hosea applied so much to me and my sinful tendencies. Just like Israel, I too long to stray towards my idols and sinful ways. I easily loose track of the God who has called me out of darkness into His marvelous light. But thanks be to God that he is continual in His pursuit of me. He is merciful and yet just. He is perfect in every way. What better reminder from Hosea to stop whoring after the purposeless things of this world and to remember who is in control of it all. What a beautiful study, that opened my eyes to the filthiness within me but yet reminded of how Christ washed me white as snow and would not forget His child in the midst of their wandering. “Prone to wander Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart Lord take and seal it, seal it for thine Courts above.” 🩷

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This study was deeply rooted in Scripture. While Hosea wasn’t always easy to read, it helped me to see the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the tension between God’s justice and mercy.

[Madeleine Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly one of the best bible studies I have ever done. Full of cross references, letting you study so much of scripture other than just the 14 chapters of Hosea. Full of conviction and reality, and full of grace and mercy learning about the relentless pursuit of Christ in us. Hosea is a tough book to understand, but this study truly breaks it down without taking from the realness of the whoredom and language that is used in the scriptures. It brings you on the emotional rollercoaster of this book. Taught me so much and truly going to be an awesome resource in the years to come.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much of a comparison between Gomer/Israel (the populace chosen by the Lord who were under the Law and constantly doing what was right in their own eyes), and the present day Christian (who Christ died for, fulfilled the Law for, and is not a Gomer). The present day Christian [woman] is not a Gomer, but this book would have her believing she is.
Lots of work in the book to do, but my complaint is the misplaced comparison.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a HARD STUDY . . . going this deep showed the intensity of idolatry. We all want to identify with Hosea, but we are supposed to relate to Gomer (gut-wrenching)! But the study was so well-written, and I'm grateful for Paula's teaching.