This week we will see the fullness of God’s gracious plan continue to take shape as Boaz honors both tradition and Ruth. Read Ruth 4:1-12. We see Boaz appear at the city gate before the elders and the “nearer kinsman redeemer.” When the “nearer kinsman redeemer”...
We’re all made to live in community. But today we find ourselves living increasingly isolated lives. As we further disconnect from other people, we lose not only the support of community we need, but we also lose the sense of fulfillment in Christ that God intended...
The Fourth Act For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. 1 Corinthians 13:12a rom our earliest years, we are taught the power of story. From The Cat in the Hat to Lord of the Rings, we learn to appreciate tales of the triumph of good...
This week we see Naomi guide Ruth into action in the hope of redeeming both of their futures. Read all of Ruth 3 in one sitting. We see Ruth take a bold risk under the instructions of Naomi: She presented herself to Boaz to ask for marriage at the threshing floor....
There is a mountain of scientific evidence showing us that people do moderately well at evaluating others, but are often terrible at evaluating themselves. As a result, many of us are not self-aware in regard to our relationships. Said another way, we don’t have a...
A Renewed Mind And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 ave you ever had a time where you've been trapped...
This week we will see God’s sovereign hand directing the fate of these widows as they seek to begin a new life. We will focus on Ruth 2. Read all of Ruth 2 in one sitting. We see Ruth’s devotion as she rose to action to provide for Naomi. God’s hand graciously led her...
Sometimes we forget the power of a friend. Inside jokes, encouragement, support, and camaraderie all add together to make for a good friendship. However, the mark of true friendship is ultimately based on love. True friends exercise sacrificial love for one another....
This week we see Ruth’s profession of faith and its outworking in her through her unwavering loyalty to Naomi. We are reminded that God’s saving work reaches beyond cultural and ethnic barriers. After a 10 year sojourn in Moab, Naomi and Ruth have returned to...
American culture gives us almost no need for loyalty. We regularly switch brands or cancel plans via text message. We have learned to avoid commitment as a negative thing, forgetting the benefits that accompany it. In this sermon, we’ll discuss the need to remember...
Lovingkindness and Truth Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me. Psalm 40:11 ecently I read through the book of Psalms and was struck by how many times the psalmist pairs the two words lovingkindness and truth. In addition...
In a dark time when Israel did “what was right in their own eyes,” we see a story of love, commitment, and redemption set in motion with the least likely protagonist - a woman. With that valuable information in mind, read through the entire book of Ruth in one...