03 - Redeemed in Christ
February 19, 2023 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann • Ephesians 1:7–10
“Redeeming love” is the theme of the Old Testament Book of Ruth, which tells the story of Ruth and her kinsman-redeemer, Boaz. It is also the theme of Ephesians 1:7-10. As if to reemphasize the greatness of all the spiritual blessings that he’s been expounding upon in Ephesians 1:1-6, not the least of which is that Christians have been predestined and called, the apostle Paul turns his attention to the theology of redemption and forgiveness, pointing to the blessing and work of the greatest Kinsman-Redeemer there is, Jesus Christ. The Lord is the greater Boaz who, by his law-keeping and sacrificial love, paid the price to redeem us; both Jews (such as Naomi) and Gentiles (like Ruth)—all who come to him for redemption.
05 - How Does Forgiveness Work?
May 1, 2022 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
God is a God who forgives, even the most heinous, immoral, and barbaric person to whom He grants repentance. What that means, in practical terms, is that if God so graciously forgives spectacular sinners, then He can and He will forgive ordinary sinners like us. And if God is willing to forgive even the most reprobate among us, shouldn’t we as Christ-followers also be willing to do the same—especially those who confess their guilt and repent?