This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Matthew 1:1-16.Key VersesMatthew 1:1-16Ruth 1:16Ruth 2:12Ruth 3:9Galatians 4:7Romans 16:20QuestionsRuth chose to follow Naomi into an uncertain future rather than return to the safety of her homeland. What does this teach us about the role relationships play in drawing us closer to God?The pastor mentioned that many people live as 'casual Christians' on the periphery of faith. What are some signs that someone might be living this way, and why is it ultimately unsatisfying?Boaz served as Ruth's 'kinsman redeemer' (goel). How does understanding this role help us better appreciate what Jesus has done for us?Ruth had to ask Boaz to redeem her - he didn't force it upon her. How does this reflect the way Jesus approaches us with salvation?The sermon noted that Ruth's story takes place during the violent time of the Judges, yet it reads like a 'Hallmark Christmas movie.' What does this contrast teach us about God's character?Elimelech and Naomi left the Promised Land during a famine, seeking provision elsewhere. In what ways do we sometimes 'wander' from God's will when life gets difficult?Ruth went from being a foreigner to being included in Jesus's genealogy. What does this tell us about who belongs in God's family?Pastor Jared challenged us to stop 'living on the margins' and 'being satisfied as a forager.' What would it look like practically to move from casual faith to full commitment?Life ApplicationThis week, examine your own relationship with Jesus. Are you living on the periphery of faith, taking what feels good but avoiding full commitment? If you've never fully surrendered your life to Christ as your Redeemer, consider taking that step. If you're already a believer, identify one area where you've been 'foraging' rather than fully trusting God, and commit to deeper faith in that area.Key TakeawaysJesus chose a complicated family genealogy to show that no one is too far gone for redemptionMany people are drawn to God initially through relationships with other believers, just as Ruth followed NaomiLiving as a casual Christian on the margins of faith is ultimately exhausting and unsatisfyingJesus serves as our perfect kinsman redeemer, buying back what we lost through sinGod doesn't force redemption on us - we must ask to be redeemed, just as Ruth asked Boaz------------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to Grace Pointe! We're so happy you could join us online More Information ↓ Grace Pointe is a church dedicated to seeing a world full of healthy churches by making as many people as much like Jesus in the shortest time possible. We are a multi-site church network with campuses in Naperville IL and Plainfield IL Connect with us: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gracepointe.us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: / gracepointeplainfield Instagram: / gppchurch YouTube: / @gracepointe / @gracepointeplainfield Join us in-person at any of our service times: Naperville, Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 AM Plainfield, Sundays at 9 and 10:45AM