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?
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Recent Sermons
Exodus 12:1-14 - The story of Exodus is the story of Jesus. The God we get to know in Exodus is the God who comes to us in the person of Jesus: a God who judges, who saves, and who renews.
Exodus 3:1-14 - The rescue begins. God looks for a person to lead the way—not someone perfect, but someone willing. In Exodus, God calls Moses through a burning bush and rekindles a relationship that had been years in the making.
Exodus 1:6-14 - This Sunday, we begin Roots, a new teaching series from the book of Exodus—discovering how the story of rescue in Exodus shapes our understanding of Jesus.
Exodus 36:1-7 - God calls Israel to give their wealth to build the Tabernacle, raising a timeless question: will we live open-handed, trusting God with what we hold?
Luke 12:13-21 - Jesus warns us about the hidden danger of greed. Discover three heart attitudes toward money—I deserve it, it’s all for me, and I’m better off with more—and why they matter.
Acts 20:32-38 - For three weeks, we explore what Jesus says about money. This week, Paul’s final message highlights contentment, hard work, and caring for the weak.
