In this message, we recap our journey through the book of Ruth and dive into the Gospel of Matthew, understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament. The speaker emphasizes how Matthew's Gospel structure mirrors the Torah and explores the unique genealogy that points to Jesus at the center of God's promises. We also humanize Joseph and learn about his background as a stonemason. Taking a detour, we reflect on how God brings life to broken, burned stones and how this metaphor applies to our own lives when we feel broken or burned out. Drawing from various scriptures, we explore the idea that God, the master stonemason, can rebuild us into living stones, providing life and strength through our suffering. The message encourages us to slow down, identify where God is at work within us, and allow Him to rebuild us.

In this message, we explore the deep connections between the Old and New Testaments through Matthew's Gospel. It recaps last week's discussion on how Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises exemplified in Matthew's genealogy. The focus then shifts to Joseph, challenging common perceptions of him as a mere carpenter, suggesting he was likely a stonemason. The message delves into Joseph's character, his righteous decision to protect Mary despite her seemingly illicit pregnancy, and the significance of his actions in the divine narrative. Finally, it underscores how Jesus' life and teachings fulfill the promises and revelations of God's love and faithfulness.

In this message, we explore key themes and structures in the Gospel of Matthew to gain a deeper understanding of Jesus. The message highlights the importance of knowing Jesus by examining His life through the lens of the most Jewish gospel, Matthew. We learn about three crucial keys for understanding Matthew, including the different order of Hebrew Scriptures, the foundational nature of the Torah, and the use of the Septuagint. The message delves into the genealogy in Matthew, emphasizing God's promises and the inclusion of Gentiles, showing how Jesus embodies God's faithfulness and brings about a new creation. Join us as we unpack the intentional design of Matthew's gospel and discover how it bridges the Old Testament with the New Testament.

This message concludes the study of the Book of Ruth, highlighting its themes of redemption, generous theology, and divine love. It explores how Ruth the Moabite's story contrasts with the exclusionary practices of Ezra and Nehemiah and points to the inclusive nature of God's love as demonstrated through Boaz. See how the narrative connects to the genealogy of Jesus, showing that true faith wrestles with tension and grows through a deeper understanding of divine love.

In this message, we dive into the final chapter of Ruth, set amid a historical backdrop of 450 BC characterized by violent holiness and militant nationalism. The narrative counters the harsh laws against the Moabites with a love story that transcends legal limitations. This chapter focuses on Ruth’s journey from being an overlooked Moabite widow to a confident woman who proposes to Boaz, risking scandal for the sake of love and loyalty. Boaz, exemplifying a generous and inclusive theology, contends with the culturally prevailing prejudices as he seeks to redeem Naomi’s land and marry Ruth. The story contrasts the exclusionary zeal of figures like Ezra and Nehemiah with Boaz's inclusive love, ultimately illustrating the agape love of God that accepts everyone, including the marginalized. The message leaves us reflecting on how God's love sees past our faults and chooses us unconditionally.

The story of Ruth heats up with a midnight, erotic encounter as Ruth takes charge of her destiny and declares who she is.

Explore the compelling narrative of Ruth, a Moabite woman, written as a protest against the stringent policies of Ezra and Nehemiah. This message delves into how Ruth's story challenges societal norms by equating her faith and loyalty to that of Abraham, highlighting friendship, love, and resilience amidst adversity. Witness Ruth's journey from despair to hope as she meets Boaz, a symbol of strength and protection, ultimately revealing a divine providence in what seemed like mere coincidences.

In this message, we delve into the complexities of faith, exploring it as a wrestling match rather than a state of psychological certainty. Through the story of Jacob wrestling with God, we understand that faith is often challenged and shaken through life's experiences. This episode further examines how Old Testament scriptures, and particularly the Book of Ruth, contribute to our understanding of God. Ruth's story is presented as a counter-voice to the religious aggression of her time, offering a narrative of love and loyalty in contrast to the prevailing violence. Join us in understanding how these ancient texts shape our modern faith journey.

In today's message, we explore the challenging and often contrasting depictions of God between the Old and New Testaments. The speaker addresses how modern evangelical circles may present a conflicted image of God and discusses the importance of understanding scripture through a progressive reading. Referencing key scholars and theological works, the talk navigates through difficult biblical passages, including themes of violence and the character of God, ultimately pointing towards Jesus' revelation as central to comprehending God's true nature. Join us as we dive deep into topics that might shake your faith but aim to provide clarity and a more loving depiction of God.

In this message, we delve into the concept of 'Cruciformed Glasses,' emphasizing that Jesus's crucifixion is the clearest revelation of God's character—unchanging and rooted in love and forgiveness. Contrasting modern notions of faith as psychological certainty, we explore the ancient, scriptural faith exemplified by Jacob's wrestling with God. Through examining biblical texts and theological insights, we uncover how faith is authentically engaging with God, not seeking certainty in scripture alone but finding life in Jesus, who perfectly reveals God's agape love.