Study + Discussion Guide

Soul health begins with coming “home” to our original design, as God made us to connect with Him and one another. Adam and Eve are in the garden, a place named “delight.” They share healthy connections, in good company with God and with one another. He designed them for Himself, but also for one another. They are at home in their skin and the world. This is perhaps the best definition of soul health —remembering “home” and returning there. In this message, Pastor Bo explains why this is so important and what we can do about it.Find series resources here.

Soul health begins with coming “home” to our original design, as God made us to connect with Him and one another. Adam and Eve are in the garden, a place named “delight.” They share healthy connections, in good company with God and with one another. He designed them for Himself, but also for one another. They are at home in their skin and the world. This is perhaps the best definition of soul health —remembering “home” and returning there. In this message, Pastor Bo explains why this is so important and what we can do about it.

Study + Discussion Guide

In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul writes about the administration of a beautiful mystery. This mystery was kept hidden in God for ages, but has finally been revealed to all, Jew and Gentile alike. The mystery? It is the enriching grace of God offered to us in Jesus Christ. Paul is saying to Jews — and especially to Gentiles, “You’re rich in the good things of God!” You’re unbelievably wealthy. Throughout this standalone message, Pastor Bo helps us see that this is also a message for us, for today. Even better, she helps us understand how to apply its truths to our lives.

Study + Discussion Guide

Naomi’s willingness to turn from her tragic losses and return to Bethlehem — “The House of Bread” — led to more fulfillment than she could have imagined. Her turnaround produced a great reversal: provision, hope, redemption, and a future for herself and Ruth. As Psalm 126 teaches us, we sometimes sow in tears so we might reap in joy. God is at work in this story to bring about a hopeful end. And Pastor Bo helps us see how His faithfulness is also for us!

Naomi’s willingness to turn from her tragic losses and return to Bethlehem — “The House of Bread” — led to more fulfillment than she could have imagined. Her turnaround produced a great reversal: provision, hope, redemption, and a future for herself and Ruth. As Psalm 126 teaches us, we sometimes sow in tears so we might reap in joy. God is at work in this story to bring about a hopeful end. And Pastor Bo helps us see how His faithfulness is also for us!

Study + Discussion Guide

This part of Ruth's story would jump off the page to ancient readers. Ruth is no longer a victim. She demonstrates bold faith and a willingness to risk rejection when she follows Naomi’s advice and asks Boaz to marry her. Ruth is willing to step out of the social norms of her day: a foreigner and a woman would never be so bold. But something has changed. Through the first two chapters, Ruth identifies herself as a Moabitess, a foreigner. But when Boaz asks who she was during a pivotal moment in chapter three, Ruth replies, “Ruth, the servant of Boaz.” Not only is she attempting a bold, fresh start, but she now wears a new identity. Pastor Steve Mickel unpacks compelling lessons for us from this turn in her story.

This part of Ruth's story would jump off the page to ancient readers. Ruth is no longer a victim. She demonstrates bold faith and a willingness to risk rejection when she follows Naomi’s advice and asks Boaz to marry her. Ruth is willing to step out of the social norms of her day: a foreigner and a woman would never be so bold. But something has changed. Through the first two chapters, Ruth identifies herself as a Moabitess, a foreigner. But when Boaz asks who she was during a pivotal moment in chapter three, Ruth replies, “Ruth, the servant of Boaz.” Not only is she attempting a bold, fresh start, but she now wears a new identity. Pastor Steve Mickel unpacks compelling lessons for us from this turn in her story.

Study + Discussion Guide

Sometimes, God's blessing begins with a trickle. We see this in today’s message from Ruth, chapter two. As God reveals His hand in this story, desperation gives way to humility and nobility. We also meet a new and impressive character, Boaz, who reflects God’s loving concern for Ruth and Naomi. And quite suddenly, a trickle becomes a flood. Throughout chapter one, these women’s lives only seem to worsen. But after they return to Bethlehem, the House of Bread, they see tangible, generous evidence of God’s provision and blessing as bitterness transforms into beauty.

Sometimes, God's blessing begins with a trickle. We see this in today’s message from Ruth, chapter two. As God reveals His hand in this story, desperation gives way to humility and nobility. We also meet a new and impressive character, Boaz, who reflects God’s loving concern for Ruth and Naomi. And quite suddenly, a trickle becomes a flood. Throughout chapter one, these women’s lives only seem to worsen. But after they return to Bethlehem, the House of Bread, they see tangible, generous evidence of God’s provision and blessing as bitterness transforms into beauty.

Study + Discussion Guide

Our story finds Naomi and her daughters at a low point, at a moment of desperation and decision. The writer foreshadows better times, so we know, “Bread is coming!” But they don’t know that yet. These women are caught within the mysterious tension of God’s will. They don’t understand how God is working. But they must decide if they trust Him enough to go on. One woman follows reasonable, practical advice and returns to her people. Two decide to proceed into an uncertain future. Why the split? That's the question we wrestle with in this message.