Sunday, September 29, 2013

Turning Back or Pressing On?

Ruth and Orpah had similar backgrounds but in Ruth 1:14ff they make very different decisions about their futures.  Ruth chose Jehovah and His people, while Orpah chose the religion and people of Moab.  Their contrasting decisions illustrate four vital salvation truths concerning apostasy and perseverance.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Hearing and Responding to the Gospel

Naomi's decision to leave Moab and return to Bethlehem provides a remarkable picture of a lost person (1) hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and (2) responding to that message with repentance and faith.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Bleak Reality in a Sin-Ruined World

The Book of Ruth begins with a heartbreaking description of sin and its consequences.  This is not only the beginning the remarkable story of Ruth but it's also where the gospel of Jesus Christ begins.  It's only when we see our dark and hopeless condition under sins that we appreciate the glorious light of Christ.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Vital Christian Characteristics

In the closing verses of Peter's first epistle, he commends messenger Silvanus and conveys greetings to the letter's recipients.  In the course of these verses, however, Peter mentions six characteristics of Christians that summarize major themes of the entire epistle: faithfulness, grace, being chosen by God, love, peace and being in Christ.  This message examines each of these vital characteristics of each believer.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

God of All Grace

In 1Peter 5:10, God is described as "the God of all grace".   Because He is so gracious, the passage teaches us, the Christian (1) can endure suffering, (2) can be certain of entering eternal glory, (3) will grow in sanctification and stability, and (4) will be moved to worship God.