In the final chapter of the book of Ruth (Ruth 4:1-22), the final outcome of Ruth’s appeal to Boaz for proptection (and therefore marriage) is told. By the city gate where business transactions were carried out, Boaz deals with the man next-in-line to take over Elimelech’s property (which includes a marriageable young Moabitess). True to his word, Boaz carries through with the deal and marriage is followed by the birth of their son, Obed, and the family line is established that leads to David and, of course, to Jesus.

Message

Radio service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Tell Out My Soul
00:19 Introduction
00:33 Prayer
04:03 Bible reading: Ruth 4
Song: Worthy of All Praise
08:46 Shorter Catechism Introduction
10:14 Catechism Questions 152-160
14:48 Bible reading: Matthew 1:1-6
Song: Jesus Thank You
Sermon: Ruth 4
Song: O Come O Come Emmanuel
16:05 Closing

Outline

• The story ends, but it’s more than a Hollywood movie!
• How will Elimelech have an heir?
• The problem presented and overcome
• See how the text speaks of these developments…

1. The actions of a kind redeemer (v.1-10)
2. The blessings of a broad covenant (v.11-12)
3. The arrival of a welcome son (v.13-21)

God at work in the whole story!
The point of it all – to lead us to Jesus!

Great movies often use certain plotlines to make the story stand out among others, and the writer of the book of Ruth did also. in the third chapter (Ruth 3:1-18), the reader is given three scenes by which they might understand what is happening; and these three scenes cover the events in one 24 hour period. In the second of those scenes Ruth makes a move that could be interpreted to be something rather risky. It could all go so terribly wrong…but in the culture of the day, can also be viewed as something fuilled with faith and an appeal from a helpless woman to one who could redeem her. But will he?

Message

Radio service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Marvellous Grace
00:17 Introduction
00:32 Prayer
04:21 Bible reading: Ruth 3
Song: Jerusalem
07:14 Shorter Catechism Introduction
08:41 Catechism Questions 146-151
12:40 Bible reading: Galatians 1:1-5
Song: My Hope Rests Firm
Sermon: Ruth 3
Song: I Will Sing of My Redeemer
13:22 Closing

Outline

• The story so far
• Can you hear wedding bells?
• The crucial next day
• See how the text speaks of these scenes in the story…

1. The afternoon’s conversation (v.1-5)
2. The evening’s liaison (v.6-13)
3. The morning’s conclusion (v.14-18)

Wary of what’s ahead?
See Jesus … who gave Himself!

After telling of Naomi and Ruth’s tragic loss and their eventual trip back to the land of Judah in Israel, the text of chapter two (Ruth 2:1-23) brings us face to face with three central characters. The two widows, Naomi and Ruth, and one man, new to the plot line of the story, Boaz, a wealthy landowner. While Naomi and Ruth’s plight has been noted, now there is a silver thread, a small shining light of hope introduced, and Boaz begins to notice and care for Ruth. Could this be God’s plan for the continuation of the line of Elimelech?

Message

Radio service

00:00 Welcome
Song: What a Friend We Have in Jesus
00:17 Introduction
00:34 Prayer
02:28 Bible reading: Ruth 2
Song: Be Unto Your Name
06:08 Shorter Catechism Introduction
07:35 Catechism Questions 140-145
14:05 Bible reading: Romans 8
Song: How Deep the Father’s Love
Sermon: Ruth 2
Song: Teach Me Thy Way
15:07 Closing

Outline

• When and where we last met Ruth and Naomi
• How would they survive?
• The fields of Boaz…
• See how the text speaks of the characters in the story…

1. Ruth the dutiful worker (v.1-3, 10, 17-18, 23)
2. Boaz the generous protector (v.4-9, 11-16)
3. Naomi the hopeful schemer (v.19-23)

Insignificant things…and the plans of our God!

Welcome to this series on the book of Ruth, a book that gives us hope in the face of despair and disappointment – just where the book’s first chapter (Ruth 1:1-22) takes us. It introdueces us to Naomi and to her husband Elimelech fleeing from their native Judah to the land of Moab along with their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, who eventually marry to Moabitess women, Orpah and Ruth. With Naomi intent now on returning to Judah, what is Ruth to do? And how will God begin to bring about good from the sadness and loss that she and Naomi knew?

Message

Radio service

00:00 Welcome
Song: I Will Sing the Wondrous Story
00:19 Introduction
00:33 Prayer
06:17 Bible reading: Ruth 1
Song: My Worth Is Not In What I Own
10:29 Shorter Catechism Introduction
11:57 Catechism Questions 134-139
16:01 Bible reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Song: My Heart Is Filled With Thankfulness
Sermon: Ruth 1
Song: Be Still My Soul
18:05 Closing

Outline

• The book of Ruth
• Not just a Mothers’ Day text
• ‘In the days of the judges…’
• See how the text speaks of the journey…

1. From Bethlehem to Moab (v.1-5)
2. From Moab to the border (v.6-18)
3. From the border to Bethlehem (v.19-22)

God’s frowning providence…
The blessings that come through pain and trial!