1 John 1:1-3

Who is Jesus Christ? Today it seems this question can be answered a myriad of ways, depending on one’s most strongly held values and interests.

But Jesus Christ is not merely a concept or a worldview. Neither is He a symbolic, fictional figure whose life only conveys a moral code.

Jesus Christ is a historical person, who lived, walked, breathed and died. There is only one Christ. He is the Christ of the Bible.

In this series we will consider the person of Christ. His character, life and distinct nature.

Truly there is none like our Lord!

Romans 6:8-10

He is Risen indeed! And Christ is risen for all time. Death has no more power over Him.

And we who are in Christ, who have partaken of His resurrection power, we need no longer need fear death. For just as Jesus Christ has risen from the dead, so will we!

Mark 15:6-21

As Good Friday and Easter approach, we revisit and recall the suffering of Jesus and His significant work done for us on the cross.

Ruth 4:16-22

The choices we make, whether good, bad, or indifferent, all lead to God’s ultimate purpose no matter what. Live in the confidence that our God is sovereign, and able to accomplish His purposes in any circumstance.

Ruth 4:9-12

Without commitment you cannot have depth in anything, especially the things of God.

Both Ruth and Boaz are committed to doing whatever it takes to fulfill their obligations before God and to one another.

We should be committed to fulfill our obligations toward God and toward each other in the spirit of humility, self-discipline and integrity.

Ruth 3:18

Without commitment you cannot have depth in anything, especially the things of God.

Both Ruth and Boaz are committed to doing whatever it takes to fulfill their obligations before God and to one another.

We should be committed to fulfill our obligations toward God and toward each other in the spirit of humility, self-discipline and integrity.

Ruth 2:19-23

Boaz stands as a type of Jesus in that he, like Jesus recognized his responsibility to act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, and in need.

Jesus Christ is the redeemer of humanity and of all creations.

As Christ’s ministers of reconciliation to the world, we serve Him in accomplishing His redemptive role to a world that is in trouble, in danger, and in need.

Ruth 2:10-18

When God shows us favor, we should:

Be GratefulBe HumbleBe DiligentBe Generous

Ruth 2:1-9

A good name is better than gold. The believer who has integrity will find favor both with God and with people.

In our text we are introduced to Boaz, a man of reputation among his peers, as well as his servants. He is a man of integrity.

He desires the best for his friendsHe is diligent in his businessHe is kind to strangersHe is honorableHe loves what is goodHe respects integrity in others

Ruth is also an honorable woman.

She works hard.She does not feel entitled to what does not belong to her.As much as possible, she is self-sufficient.

Believers should practice being people of integrity. To say what we mean. To be faithful to our commitmentsTo recognize and reward the integrity of others as often as we can.

May we be as whole-hearted in our daily lives as these two excellent examples!

Ruth 1:19-22

Naomi means pleasant. And there was a time when her demeanor aligned with her name. It is plausible that her life had not been easy since the birth of her sons. Yet joy and contentment marked her walk despite her hardships.

Naomi allowed herself to become bitter. She chose to embrace sadness, regret, and fierce rage because of her losses.

Naomi did not know how to maintain her joy or her sense of well-being in the face of her disappointments. She thought she had no choice but to be sad.

But even sorrow is a choice. The disciplined believer can learn to manage her sorrow so that bitterness never settles into her spirit.

This is one of the benefits of suffering. By suffering God teaches us how to choose and secure joy and contentment even when life gets hard.

Choose to be pleasant.