“For the Word of God is alive and active.” – HEbrews 4:12
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Redemption & Restoration – Ruth 4
In this chapter we see Boaz initiating and securing Naomi & Ruth’s redemption, at great cost to himself. We also see Naomi’s restoration, who went from full to empty, back to full again. These, though, are just dim shadows in comparison to the redemption and restoration we find in Jesus. Finally, we see the resulting family tree of King David, who himself points ahead to King Jesus. In Matthew chapter 1, we see Jesus’ family tree, which includes outsiders and…
An Opportunity Seized – Ruth 3
In Ruth 3, we see 1) a Change of Heart (in Naomi), 2) a Bold Move (by Ruth), and 3) a Gracious Response (from Boaz).
An Outsider’s Welcome – Ruth 2
Henri Nouwen wrote that loneliness is one of the most widespread diseases of our time. There are many who are looking for a home, a family, a place to belong, yet often this evades us in our world. In Ruth 2, Ruth enters onto the scene of Israelite society – in every way an outsider, yet Boaz notices her, welcomes her, meets her needs, and shows great kindness to her. The church should be a community of Boaz’s to a world of Ruth’s.…
Full to Empty – Ruth 1
In the opening verses of the book of Ruth, Naomi experiences great tragedy and loss. She is a sufferer, who is struggling to hold on to any hope. And, though she sees God’s hand in her tragedy, she has concluded that God is against her and that she has returned “empty” – even though Ruth returns with her in a great display of devotion and faithfulness. Suffering can have the effect of impairing our vision – just like Naomi, it can lead us to idealize the past…
Jonah’s Complaint…God’s Compassion – Jonah 4
In chapter 4 we see the height of Jonah’s self-righteousness and hypocrisy. Though he is glad for his own salvation, he is angry about Nineveh’s. Though he is angry about a plant’s perishing, he is unconcerned about a city’s perishing. Though he is concerned for the life of the plant, he charges God with wrongdoing for being concerned with a whole city of lost people. Jonah chapter 4 teaches us that God is a God of compassion, whose compassion is bestowed…
Don’t Miss the Point – 1 Peter 2
Following Christ is about something much bigger than just living a life that goes the way we want it to go with God’s help. Through Jesus God rescues his people from the greatest crisis we will ever face–eternal separation from God because of our sin–and he has given us a new identity and purpose to glorify him.
God Calls Again…Jonah Goes – Jonah 3
God’s second call to Jonah shows us that, despite Jonah’s resistance, God is still committed to reaching the lost. It also shows us that God’s patience and willingness to use failures. Nineveh’s genuine repentance is a surprising contrasts to Jonah’s – which only appears to be skin-deep.
Jonah Sinks…God Saves – Jonah 1:17 – 2:10
We sometimes think that salvation is about us doing what we can and God meeting us halfway. But Jonah’s rescue from the depths of the sea is a picture of how we are rescued from sin & death: Jonah’s contribution is to sink in utter helplessness with nothing of his own to offer … God’s contribution is to graciously and powerfully accomplish his salvation. Jonah’s prayer in chapter 2 expresses his thankfulness for God’s gracious salvation. But, read in light of…
God Calls … Jonah Flees – Jonah 1:1-16
When God calls Jonah to go to Nineveh, he tries to flee. Though God is full of compassion, even for his enemies, Jonah lacks compassion and so wants no part of God’s mission. But God graciously pursues rebels like Jonah and like us.
The Kingdom of Heaven, Part 2 – Matthew 13:44 – 50
The second part of our short series on the Kingdom of Heaven. This week we see the two reactions one can have to Jesus and his Kingdom. One can either understand him and find joy and satisfaction, or one can reject him and face destruction.
The Kingdom of Heaven, Part 1 – Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
The first of two sermons on the Kingdom of Heaven. In this parable Jesus speaks to an audience that is losing faith in him. Seeking to assure them he teaches them that the Kingdom of Heaven has arrived, that he is in control of it and that it will one deal with all the problems in the world.
Outward Church – Genesis 1:26-28, Matthew 28:16-20
The introduction to our series on Jonah doesn’t start in Jonah, but looks at Jesus’ “Great Commission”, which shows us the radical call of discipleship, the outward direction of the Church, and the promise of Jesus’ personal presence with us.