November 3, 2024
The Story | What is Real Friendship Like? | Chapter 9
Beginnings: How God Got Things Started, A Chosen People.
The tiny book of Ruth in your Bible is all about friendship. The name Ruth actually means friendship. Two women lash themselves to each other, wondering what God might do for them during a bleak time in their lives. It’s the story of hard work, courage, and God coordinating the needed pieces behind the scenes.
Songs for this week: Spotify
Chapter 9: Ruth 1:1-22
- What’s the best friendship you’ve ever had or have in your life? What has made it so life-giving for you?
- Reflect on a time you experienced an unhealthy friendship (without naming names!). What attitudes or behaviors have you noticed that can undermine or damage friendships?
- What stands out for you in Ruth’s vows to Naomi? Is making such vows even wise? Explain.
- Can you describe the covenant that Jesus has made with believers? What promises has he made? Is this a covenant that you have entered?
- How might the story of Ruth help you share the hope you have in Jesus with a friend who doesn’t yet believe?
Share with a friend
Recent Sermons
Colossians 1:24-29-Suffering is one of life's hardest realities. We might expect that following Jesus would mean less pain, but Jesus himself suffered and made it clear that his followers would too. The good news is that our suffering is never lost on God and is never in vain.
Colossians 1:21-23 - Paul contrasts two powerful words—alienated and reconciled—to tell our story. Discover how Jesus did the work of reconciliation and why that is the heart of the Gospel.
Colossians 1:15-20 -Colossians centers on Jesus—the Creator of all things, the Sustainer of life, and the Redeemer who restores creation through love.
Colossians 1:9-14 - Paul prays not for comfort, but for deeper faith—knowing God’s will, living for Jesus, and receiving strength to persevere with hope.
Colossians 1:1-8 - Discover how Paul's letter to the Colossians reminds believers that Jesus is all we need. Gospel hope is true, certain, life-changing, and unstoppable.
Acts 28:30-31 - From a historic move to a growing future, St. Paul’s Leaskdale reflects on past crossroads and seeks God’s direction for the next chapter.
