Luke introduces his gospel by telling Theophilus how he compiled all his research together. He does this, so we can know the truth about Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Is there a fact you learned, question you had, or truth you were reminded of during today’s sermon?

What methods did Luke use to write his gospel?

Why can we be sure that the gospels contain the truth about Jesus?

What does Christianity claim that you find most difficult to believe?

How does this sermon inform our Joyful Worship, Humble Growth, Radical Hospitality, or Generous Service?

Throughout the book of Ruth, we see God’s faithfulness to provide for his people.

- There was famine, but God brought abundant food to Bethlehem (the house of bread).

- There was childlessness, but God made Ruth’s womb fruitful.

- Naomi had no one to care for her, but God gave her Ruth and Obed.

- Israel was left without a king, but God provided David to unite and lead the nation.

- Humanity is sinful, so God provided a king who would save us from our sins.

Discussion Questions

- Is there a fact you learned, question you had, or truth you were reminded of during today’s sermon?

- Why are there so many mentions of grain and the harvest through the book of Ruth?

- How did Obed fill the emptiness that Naomi felt at the beginning of this story?

- Was David the king that Israel needed? Why or why not?

- How does this sermon inform our Joyful Worship, Humble Growth, Radical Hospitality, or Generous Service?

God, through Boaz, showed incredible favor to Ruth. She did not earn this favor because of her lineage, but because she repented and trusted God. In the same way, we can have God’s favor when we repent and trust Christ, despite our sin.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

- Is there a fact you learned, question you had, or truth you were reminded of during today’s sermon?
- Why does the narrator keep mentioning Moab? Why do they keep talking about the grain harvest?
- Was Ruth saved by works or by faith?
- Why might it be important to remember our own sinfulness?
- How does this sermon affect your Joyful Worship, Humble Growth, Radical Hospitality, or Generous Service?

In the middle of sin, famine, exile, and death, Naomi allowed the emptiness she felt to turn to bitterness against God. But her faithful God was at work in her life to bring about fullness and redemption.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Is there a fact you learned, question you had, or truth you were reminded of during today’s sermon?

How else is Bethlehem mentioned in the Bible?

Which daughter-in-law made the logical choice? Which daughter-in-law made the right choice?

Is there an area where emptiness has turned to bitterness in your heart?

How does this sermon affect your Joyful Worship, Humble Growth, Radical Hospitality, or Generous Service?

As we wait for the kingdom of God to come in full, the church does the work of the kingdom in this world. We, as Christ’s body in the world today, continue his work as we generously serve widows, orphans, and all those who are so often forced to the fringes of our society.

Discussion Questions

- Is there a fact you learned, question you had, or truth you were reminded of during today’s sermon?

- What are the four acts in the story of the Bible?

- Why does it matter that the kingdom is coming here instead of being a place that we go to?

- What practical way can you Generously Serve your neighborhood and community this week?

The early Christians were a community united around their common faith despite their other differences. They shared their time and money with each other as needs arose. Their neighbors saw this radical Christian community, and God added to them daily those who were being saved.

Discussion Questions:

- Is there a fact you learned, question you had, or truth you were reminded of during today’s sermon?

- What is your favorite sitcom?

- Why must the gospel be central to our fellowship?

- Is there a need you need met or a need you can meet in our fellowship?

- Who in your life is in need of experiencing Radical Hospitality?

For those whom God has justified (legally declared to be in the right), he is also at work sanctifying (making holy) by removing our sin from us and causing us to go on to do good works. In order to sanctify us, God has given us the preaching of the Word (which we experience in Joyful Worship) as well as the church. Christians are members of one body, and we are all responsible for building each other up to Christian maturity.

We experience God's presence in a uniquely special way in Word and Sacrament when the church gathers together. As we seek his face, we are reminded of the day when God will dwell with his people fully. We are filled with joy, and we turn and worship God with joyful hearts.

Discussion Questions

- Is there a fact you learned, question you had, or truth you were reminded of during today’s sermon?
- How does God dwell with his people today? How does this change our actions from week to week?
- In your own life, how is joy different from happiness?
- As we seek to Make Disciples, is there someone you can invite into the presence of God to Joyfully Worship with you?

Peace Presbyterian Church's mission is to Make Disciples who, by faith and by God’s power, love God and love their neighbors.

Creation: God created Adam and Eve fully alive, both spiritually and physically.

Fall: Adam and Eve rebelled against God, bringing physical and spiritual death on all of humanity.

Redemption: God is at work to restore his fallen creation. Those who trust Christ are made spiritually alive, even though we don’t experience full physical healing in this life. Christians who have died are fully spiritually alive, but absent from their home in the body.

Restoration: Believers look forward to the day when we will be fully alive, spiritually and physically. On that day, death will be defeated and we will live forever in our bodies with all those who are in Christ.