Download Lesson: 12.18.16 Class Notes – Ruth 4

LOOK:

God sent His Son to be our “kinsman-redeemer” for all of His creation. Christ paid for our redemption. What Christ did for us is the largest transaction that has ever been made for us. And let’s be clear on how significant this is. We had a sin debt that we could not pay! The debt against us was not viewed as simply cancelled, but is fully paid. God is a holy and just God. He was not willing to “overlook” or cancel our debt and act like it never happened. Payment for our sin debt was REQUIRED. Christ’s blood or life, which he surrendered for us, is the “ransom” by which He delivered us from being slaves of sin and from its penal consequences is secured. That’s why Christ’s final words on the cross were, “It is finished.” He was saying, “The transaction is complete.”

Close with Liturgies Reminding Class of Christ’s Redemptive Act for Them:

“Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left YOU without a kinsman-redeemer.” (Ruth 4:14)

“You were bought at a great price.” (I Cor 6:20)

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us (Gal 3:13)

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Eph 1:7)

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Col 1:13-14)

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.” (I Tim 1:5-6)

“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Heb 9:12)

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (I Pet 1:18-19)

“With your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” (Rev 5:9b)

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Download Lesson: 12.11.16 Class Notes – Ruth 3

LOOK:

The Bible is clear that God is sovereign. He is in control. He causes all things to happen. He says ‘What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do’ (Isa. 46:11). Unlike our plans, God’s never fail. But the Bible also teaches with absolute certainty and great clarity that, in causing all things to happen, he does so in a way that upholds the ability of individuals to make willing responsible choices and actions. Exactly how God combines his control of all things and our willing responsible actions, the Bible does not explain, but it is full of examples of him doing just that. Ruth 3 provides three such examples, as Naomi, Ruth and Boaz each play their unique part at a particular point in the outworking of God’s great plan. He uses the active faith of his people.

Just as God was sovereignly working out His divine will through Ruth, He is doing the same for us. God is always doing His part. He’s introducing us to people whom He has already given us favor. He uses “Naomi” in our lives who plant new ideas that can create unsettledness that would lead to change. When Ruth was willing to risk and do what Naomi told her to do, only then would Ruth discover God’s will for her through Boaz.

Q: Where are you on this continuum? Has the Holy Spirit brought to mind new opportunities that have created an unsettledness or idea of change that you need to look at more closely? As we begin to look at 2017, let’s be committed to being open to discover God’s will for us by being willing to explore opportunities that the Lord has for us. Remember, “God knows the plans He has for us; they are plans to prosper us, not harm us, but to give us a hope and a future.” (Jer 29:11-12)

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Download Lesson: 12.4.16 Class Notes – Ruth 2.17-23

LOOK:

Christ wants to be our “kinsman-redeemer” for all of His creation. What we learn from today’s study is that God uses people like us.

The post 12.4.16 Ruth 2:17-23 appeared first on LAPenick's Blog.

Download Lesson: 11.27.16 Class Notes – Ruth 2.1-16

LOOK:

We may not all be farmers, but we are all called to be intentional in providing for the poor, the needy, the fatherless, or the widowed. Boaz went out of his way showing acts of kindnesses to Ruth, and I invite us to do the same for anyone in need.

The post 11.27.16 Ruth 2:1-16 appeared first on LAPenick's Blog.

Download Lesson: 11.20.16 Class Notes – Ruth 1.19-22

LOOK:

Are you willing to be a channel of the Lord’s favor to those around us who are in a dark chapter of their lives? There may be a “Naomi” in our life that we need to minister to. Let’s embrace those who are in need and distress.

The post 11.20.16 Ruth 1:19-22 appeared first on LAPenick's Blog.

Download Lesson: 11.13.16 Class Notes – Ruth 1.6-18

LOOK:

I am struck by how Ruth is drawn to Naomi’s God. It makes me believe that Elimelech and his family were God-fearing people, and Ruth saw that and found God attractive to her. I have found myself pondering throughout the week, “Do people I interact with find God attractive because of what they see in me? Or am I doing something or saying something that makes God unattractive to them.”

We live in a world filled with lost people who are seeking God. People aren’t drawn to God if God is not attractive to them. God placed people in our lives to help lead us to Jesus. These special folk made God attractive to us. We need to do the same! We need to live our lives in a way that draws people to Jesus. They need to see God in us. Ruth was drawn to Naomi’s God because of Naomi. Ruth was willing to give up a life in Moab in order to know Naomi’s God.

Let’s make God attractive to others in our words and deeds!

The post 11.13.16 Ruth 1:6-18 appeared first on LAPenick's Blog.

Download Lesson: 11.6.16 Ruth 1.1-5

LOOK:

When our family members or friends are experiencing loss, all of us CAN express our love and concern BY tending to their NEEDS as you go on the journey with them. That’s how we become Jesus with skin on. God takes care of us through the people He puts in our lives.

The post 11.6.16 Ruth 1:1-5 appeared first on LAPenick's Blog.