Faith in Hard Times
As we start to see the light at the end of the tunnel from lockdown, we turn to look at the book of Ruth, a story of faith in hard times.
May we fix our eyes on Jesus who is at work in, and through, the hard times we face.
The Book of Ruth
Here is a helpful, seven minute overview of the book of Ruth from the Bible Project.
Lesson 1: Lament
We begin a new four week series in the Old Testament book of Ruth.
It is a story of faith in hard times. Naomi has lost everything, her sons, her husband and in a time of famine returns empty and bitter to Bethlehem, her home town. Yet through the love and loyalty of outsider Ruth, and the faithfulness of godly Boaz, hope and joy are to return to her life. God is barely mentioned in the text but he is at work beautifully, graciously, faithfully in Naomi's life. As she is blessed, so are we. For God's great plans include a family line which sees the birth of the Messiah, our redeemer and joy bringer.
As we await the end of lockdown, may we fix our eyes on Jesus who is at work even in, and through, the hard times we face.
Bible Readings: (Click to Read)
Lesson 2: Hope
Today we are in the second of our series 'Faith in Hard Times' looking at the Old Testament Book of Ruth.
In chapter 2, there is a shift in Naomi's darkness as she begins to hope again. She sees that God is at work caring for her, in ways she could never have imagined. We see the kindness of Ruth and Boaz, and the challenge for us that our actions can make a huge difference to the lives of others.
Bible Readings: (Click to Read)
Lesson 3: Relationships
In our sermon series 'Faith in Hard Times' in the book of Ruth, we are thinking about relationships and how we need each other, especially when things in life are not easy. We see in chapter 3 that it is Naomi's turn to help her daughter-in-law Ruth.
(Recorded for Mothering Sunday service)
Bible Readings: (Click to Read)
Lesson 4: Joy
In the final chapter of our series 'Faith in Hard Times', we look at the Old Testament Book of Ruth.
We see in chapter 4, Naomi's joy as God transforms her life. Her blessing is also ours as from this family line comes Jesus, our Redeemer. The service will be led by Revd. Sarah and joined by Wendy Sparkes preaching.
Bible Readings: (Click to Read)
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