Sermons About Tragedy
Ruth 4.13-22
As the story of Ruth comes to a close, the camera pulls back from the love story of Boaz and Ruth and revisits the plight of Naomi. When she left for Moab, she was full of family, future, and hope. When she returned from Moab she was bitter, broken, and empty - and childless. But God has not left her, and in his love for her has orchestrated the marriage of Boaz and Ruth so that they could give birth to a grandson who would refresh her soul. The camera then pulls back even further, and we see that this son, Obed, becomes the father of Jesse, who in turn becomes the father of the great King David!
0 Amens
Ruth 4.1-12
Every great love story has obstacles, and the blossoming love of Ruth and Boaz is no exception. Though Boaz is fully intent on marrying Ruth, he is also a man who loves God's law and wants to do things the right way. There is a redeemer who is nearer to Ruth and has the first right of redemption. Fortunately for Boaz and Ruth, this man is a total fool, and Boaz easily moves him out of the way in order to wed Ruth.
0 Amens
Ruth 3.1-18
Ruth and Boaz live in the perverted and confused time of the Judges, a period of history where Israel was in rebellion against God on a regular basis. How can two people love each other and pursue marriage in a way that is pure and honorable? How do they protect themselves and each other in a day when the path of least resistance is hooking up, sleeping together, shacking up and seeing if it works out? Listen to how Ruth and Boaz navigate these treacherous waters!
0 Amens
Ruth 2.14-23
As we reach the midpoint of the book of Ruth, we are privaleged to look in on one of the most beautiful love stories ever written. The story started with tragedy and sin and foolishness, but is now taking a turn for the better as the righteous Boaz steps on to the scene to be a conduit of grace and restoration to Ruth and Naomi.
0 Amens
Ruth 2.1-13
At the bottom of the barrel, with nothing to eat and no hope for the future, Ruth sets out from Bethlehem to the fields to glean, sacrficially caring for her bitter mother-in-law and faithfully trusting that God has a plan. Once there, she "happens" to come to the field of a dude named Boaz - a strong, godly, masculine man of high standing in the community. He just happens to be single, and he just happens to come to the field on the day that Ruth is gleaning. Our story turns a corner this week from tragedy to the beginnings of a love story.
0 Amens
Ruth 1.1-6
Our study in the book of Ruth begins with tragedy. A man named Elimelech who lives in the godless and turbulent days of the judges is moving his family out of God's promised land to the pagan country of Moab. In a few short verses, we see the tragic consequences of this decision: both he and his two sons die, leaving his wife, Naomi, without husband and children in a foreign land. It is tragic. Yet God is not as absent as he seems. He has a plan and a future for Naomi, and in his grace is visits his people in Israel and Naomi begins her journey home.
0 Amens
David's Triumph and Tragedy
Though we all have highs and lows, some people seem to have really high highs and very low lows. This was true of David and could be true of you, What lessons can we learn from David's highs and lows?
0 Amens
Will They Take us Seriously?
In the sixth week of "Magnetic", we consider the tragedies, evil and suffering of the world and ask the question, "Will they take us seriously?" when life happens and serious questions are asked.
0 Amens
Accountable to Heaven
Luke 13:1-9 If God is holding us all accountable, then how do tragic events fit with this? Does God judge personal sin through disease, tornadoes, brush fires? Are tragic events and experiences really the veiled hand of God? Jesus faced these questions in His day, and His answers give both comfort and direction in ours.
1 Amens
When God Doesn't Intervene
Sometimes God does not come riding over the hill like the cavalry to save the day. Sometimes He lets us experience tragedy, unpleasantness and hardship. Why is that? Here are some possible reasons.
0 Amens
The Virginia Tech Tragedy
How should we respond when tragedy occurs. Right in our backyard, a terrible massacre took place. In a small community like ours, there are numerous connections between the University and those in our church. Several different speakers share what they have learned and what God has taught them through this tragedy.
0 Amens
