November 3, 2024
The Story | What is Real Friendship Like? | Chapter 9
Beginnings: How God Got Things Started, A Chosen People.
The tiny book of Ruth in your Bible is all about friendship. The name Ruth actually means friendship. Two women lash themselves to each other, wondering what God might do for them during a bleak time in their lives. It’s the story of hard work, courage, and God coordinating the needed pieces behind the scenes.
Songs for this week: Spotify
Chapter 9: Ruth 1:1-22
- What’s the best friendship you’ve ever had or have in your life? What has made it so life-giving for you?
- Reflect on a time you experienced an unhealthy friendship (without naming names!). What attitudes or behaviors have you noticed that can undermine or damage friendships?
- What stands out for you in Ruth’s vows to Naomi? Is making such vows even wise? Explain.
- Can you describe the covenant that Jesus has made with believers? What promises has he made? Is this a covenant that you have entered?
- How might the story of Ruth help you share the hope you have in Jesus with a friend who doesn’t yet believe?
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Recent Sermons
Mark 1:35 - Jesus modelled a life of restraint and rhythm, showing us how to live with peace and purpose even amid urgency through the practices he shared.
Luke 6:39-49 - Jesus reminds us that we all have teachers shaping us. Some lead us astray, but when we follow him, we learn to live as we were truly meant to.
Romans 12:1-2 - Jesus’ invitation is to follow him: to be with him, become like him, and do what he did. We surrender control to Jesus, resist the pattern of the world that shapes us, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for transformation.
Mark 1:16-18 -We begin our series on Practicing the Way—exploring how Jesus’ rhythms of prayer, fasting, solitude, and Sabbath invite ordinary people to grow in grace and intimacy with God
Acts 17:16-34 -Paul shares the hope of Jesus in everyday language, guiding seekers toward truth and showing where their search for God had gone astray.
Acts 13:1-5 -The first Christians had small groups! They knew, because Jesus modelled it, that we’re much better in groups than we are as individuals. The group that gathered in Antioch was diverse, zoned in on Jesus and figuring out how to be outward-facing. Your own group will want all that and more!
