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Ruth

God's Sovereign Redemption

Fullness Restored

December 16, 2018 • Pastor Phil Kooistra

In this final sermon from the book of Ruth, we see that Ruth’s life is an example of simple faith and steadfast love. Like Ruth, we get to play a small part in God’s grand story of redemption. This life is not about us, but about glorifying God as we trust him even in times of difficulty and suffering, living our lives in faithful obedience to him. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

The Rescuing Redeemer

December 9, 2018 • Pastor Neal Hackbarth

In this passage from Ruth chapter four, Boaz meets with the elders of the city, making known and legally establishing his intention to be Ruth's kinsman redeemer. In a similar but much greater way, our rescuing Redeemer is always active, ever willing, and fully able to help and restore us. Our great God is faithful to rescue, redeem, and bless those who trust in him. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

Our Great Redeemer

December 2, 2018 • Pastor Phil Kooistra

In Ruth chapter three, Naomi initiates a plan that she hopes will encourage Boaz to marry Ruth and become their redeemer. Though humanly speaking the plan would seem ill-advised and risky, it demonstrates that our great Redeemer can use even our poor decisions to bring about his will and good plans for us. We can have peace and rest in the goodness and sovereignty of God, having assurance that that he will ultimately bring about our good and his glory. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

From Bitterness to Blessing

November 25, 2018 • Pastor Phil Kooistra

In this passage from Ruth chapter two, Ruth returns to her mother-in-law Naomi, showing her all that she had gleaned and reporting to her the kindness and favor shown to her by Boaz. In this story, we see the power of grace in the lives of people who have done nothing to earn it or deserve it. Just as Boaz was an agent of grace in the lives of Ruth & Naomi, we have the opportunity to serve and bless others, that in us they may see the love and grace of God. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

A Picture of God's Grace

November 18, 2018 • Pastor Phil Kooistra

The book of Ruth reflects the love and grace of God toward his people. In this passage from chapter two, Ruth has gone to glean in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy landowner of the family of Elimelech. Boaz is a man of godly character, who treats the foreigner Ruth with incredible grace and kindness. This story reminds us that God rewards faithfulness and answers prayer, and is a beautiful picture of God’s amazing grace toward us in Christ Jesus.

The End of Bitterness

November 11, 2018 • Pastor Neal Hackbarth

In this passage from the book of Ruth, Naomi and Ruth arrive back in Naomi's hometown of Bethlehem. Naomi believes that God is against her and has dealt bitterly with her, not yet seeing how his sovereign plan of grace will unfold. Suffering and pain can unsettle our faith and cloud our vision of God’s favor and good plan for our lives. When faced with hard or painful circumstances, may we trust in God with a childlike faith, believing that all things work together for good for his children. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

Lessons on the Road Home

November 4, 2018 • Pastor Phil Kooistra

In this passage from the book of Ruth, Naomi returns to the land of Judah and to God. Her Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth, is determined to go with her despite the hardships and potential persecution she might find there. Ruth’s love for Naomi was committed and self-sacrificing. Like Ruth, and even more so like Christ, we are called to love God and to love one another with a committed, sacrificial love. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

Dark Days

October 28, 2018 • Pastor Phil Kooistra

The book of Ruth shows us God’s covenantal love and faithfulness in redeeming his people. In this first section of chapter one, it is a very dark time in Israel’s history and in the life of Naomi. Naomi is living in a godless foreign land, and has lost her husband and her two sons. As the book of Ruth unfolds, we will see that there is hope even in the midst of the darkest days. God has a plan, and he is always with us. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.