Fox Valley Church

 

Passage: Revelation 3:11-13 

Theme: There is an exhortation for the church to persevere (“hold fast”), to press on and to keep pressing on in the right things.  No one wants to be disqualified or lose the crown of life. Rather we seek to be overcomers.  As FVC looks at Why Church Now,  we want to be found faithful, we want to be “overcomers.” 

 

Passage: Revelation 3:14-22 

Theme: Why church Now?  The simple answer is “Jesus is knocking now!”  There is an urgency now that will not last forever.  But the “knock” is not merely about salvation, but the sustaining nature of the church—people white-hot for Jesus.  God wants our hearts to be fully-devoted to him.   Jesus reminds us it not merely about activities or things we do, but knowing him (Matthew 7:21-23)  As Jesus made clear we must constantly surrender our lives to him so that we can grow into maturity.  The measure when all is said and done, is FVC making disciples that make disciples? 

 

Passage: Revelation 3:1-6 

 Why Church?  The church holds the “keys” of life and death.  Without faithful churches who tell the story of Jesus, there would be no hope in these crazy times.  It is easy to lose sight of the main things that only Jesus controls all things.  He will one day return and until then the church must consider itself as ambassadors or messengers of a life-giving message to the world and unfortunately even to some in the church.  The rewards are great!  So, what about FVC?  Are we on mission with a message of life and death? 

Revelation 2:1-7

With little disagreement from which ever vantage point, people recognize that we are in crazy times. Jesus’ plan for hope is the church. But, what church? As part of the crazy, some say the church the church is “out of touch,” others seek long-standing tradition in deciding what church, others have given up on any “organized church” and make it whatever they want it to be and still others, seek the celebrity, the amenities, or the experience. So, what church? The church that is centered in Jesus, where he matters and is faithfully worshiped and where he holds her first love. So, what about FVC?

Ruth 4:1-22

Boaz stands as a testimony of one to follow because of his wise and prudent negotiations to become a kinsman-redeemer. We can think of other biblical stories that reflect God’s work (e.g. Abraham and Isaac, the exodus, Passover, etc.), so here Boaz takes Ruth as his wife and their first child is born that shows redemption, but even more, this great love story lays the foundation for our great Redeemer, Jesus, who is eventually born through the line of this godly couple.

Ruth 3:1-1

Ruth takes a risk and makes her interest in Boaz known. As we saw Ruth’s care for Naomi, Boaz shows a humble and loving response to Ruth. With the huge generosity of Boaz, we see the redemptive kindnesses of God. It would be difficult to miss the restoration/redemption of Naomi and Ruth from the loss, brokenness and “famine” through which they lived. Though caught in a harsh world, often times filled with pain and suffering, God is always at work.

Ruth 2:1-23

The next move of the plot is one of great need. Boaz, the human hero of Ruth’s story, makes his appearance with masculine strength that seeks to protect and provide for Ruth from their very first providential meeting. Ruth shows a tender mercy with her focus and care upon Naomi. Here we are introduced to Boaz as the kinsmen-Redeemer (2:20). This becomes an important portrayal of the Christ (related by blood to the ones he redeems; able to pay the price of redemption; be willing to redeem; and be free himself). The famine ends for Ruth and Naomi.

 

Passage: Ruth 1:1-22

Theme: Broken hearted people start the saga, one death event after another.   Soon the tragedy leaves three widows and no heirs—no one to redeem the situation.  Vulnerable, hurting, there is only one place to go for hope, security and strength—to the God of Israel and His people.

Passage: Ephesians 6:1-3 

Children take their lead from the mother and father.  So, if there is a breakdown of order or authority, the child(ren) become confused.  Also, with the breakdown comes fear and anxiety. A home where faith is lived out and nurtured brings hope, joy and peace.