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...
Chances are good you are the person you are because of someone else who showed up in your life: a teacher, a coach, a small group leader. Chances are also good that you are the person you are because of someone you expected to show up but didn’t. Jesus is our model...
God With Us Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 he above verse got me through my freshman year of college. It was a...
Welcome to the book of Ruth! We are so glad you are here! Ruth is one of the shortest, yet most memorable books of the Bible. These four chapters capture the story of Ruth the Moabite, her mother-in-law Naomi, and Boaz, a family relative. Theirs is a story of loss and...
One of the most powerful choices we can make in our relationships with others is the choice to encourage them. Encouragement builds courage into others. But it’s rare. Maybe we’re reluctant to encourage because we don’t know how. Or maybe we’re afraid. Will...
Fooled by an Impostor For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. Luke 6:43-44 s a...
It seems innocent enough. What harm is there comparing ourselves to others? From social media to friendly competition, our culture is a breeding ground for comparison. Maybe you’ve fallen victim without even realizing it. But comparison kills. The fruit of comparison...
Summer is upon us and that means a welcome break from the normal rhythms of life - time to slow down, rest, vacation. At least, that’s what it’s supposed to mean. The truth is that our culture doesn’t do rest very well; the rhythm always seems to be high tempo. We...
Community Among UsI long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong - that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. Romans 1:11-12 (NIV)There have been times throughout my life when I've felt utterly...
My name is Violet Hoffman. I am 9 years old in third grade at Mechanicsville Elementary. I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 6 years old. I did it at a VBS camp in Geneva, Illinois. That means that I asked Jesus into my heart that he forgave my sins and I became...
Hi, my name is Zach, I’m turning 11 and I’m in 6th grade. Also, I’m homeschooled! I became a Christian when I was about 5 or 6. I became a Christian because I was born in a Christian family and I’m really grateful about that. I want to get baptized to show other...
Hello, my name is Tiffany. I am 11 years old and I am in the 6th grade at Carroll Christian Schools. I committed my life to Jesus when I was just 5 years old on the way home from Kindergarten. My mom told me the story of how Jesus died on the cross for my sins and is...