Living Above and Beyond - Living a Life of Hesed.
Exposition Through the Book of Ruth
August 26, 2007. "Savor the Story." Ruth 1:1-2. The book of Ruth is a beautiful story. To unlock the meaning of the book we must let the plot unfold and the characters speak. This introductory message looks at the setting of the story, and sets some interpretive rules. Manuscript. Handout. Audio File.
Sept. 2, 2007 "Take Your Trouble to God." Ruth 1:3-13. Sometimes life is good, and other times hard. But some periods of life are dark and tragic. What do you do in those times, with your trouble? The book of Ruth has so much trouble and tragedy, it is hard to comprehend. But look and see what God is doing - even in the midst of the storm! Manuscript. Handout. Audio File.
Sept. 9, 2007 "Living Above and Beyond." Ruth 1:4-22. Michael Stone set the bar 9" higher than he had ever tried before. To win the pole valut competition, he would need to clear this new height. In this sermon, we are introduced to the Hebrew concept of "hesed" - loyal love. The life of hesed calls us to go beyond the ordinary to the extra-ordinary. Manuscript. Handout. Audio File.
Sept 16, 2007 "Hope is Alive!" Ruth 2:1-23. Do you remember John Kerry's presidential campaign slogan, "Help is on the way?" That is the theme of chapter two as we seek to find the ultimate source of hope! Manuscript. Handout. Audio File.
Sept 23, 2007 "Naomi's Surprising Plan" Ruth 3:1-18. What would you do if you had to make a choice between marrying for love, or marrying for the benefit of your family? That choice is before Ruth as she confronts Naomi's surprising plan. Manuscript. Handout. Audio File.
Sept 30, 2007 "A Decision. A Sandal. A Destiny." Ruth 4:1-2. Do you desire a simple life? What about when God brings to you a new challenge - will you accept it? In this sermon we will see how one decision can change a destiny! Manuscript. Handout. Audio File.
Oct 7, 2007 "Happy Endings." Ruth 4:13-22. Do you like a story with a happy ending? Do you desire to have a life with a happy ending? This sermon looks at the dramatic conclusion and lessons learned from the Book of Ruth. Manuscript. Handout. Audio File.
Other Resources: Cultural Dictionary Handout.