Redemption in Ruth

Ruth 1:1-6 | Chris Mead | November 23, 2025

Ruth begins by highlighting the deep irony woven into its first six verses—names, places, and events that feel deliberately opposite of what God’s people would expect. Set in the dark days of the Judges, the story reveals a family trying to escape God’s discipline by leaving the “house of bread” for Moab, seeking greener pastures apart from God. Their choices lead to loss, emptiness, and hitting rock bottom, especially for Naomi. Yet the heart of the message is God’s providence: even when we run, even when our decisions lead us into barren places, God uses our pain to draw us back to Himself. The call of the sermon is clear—when life disappoints and nothing satisfies, return to the only One who gives true life. As Peter said to Jesus, “Where else would we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?

2. READ Ruth 1:1-6. The sermon asked, “IS THE GRASS GREENER APART FROM GOD?”

o What are things that cause doubts and struggles? When have you been tempted to look for greener grass outside of God’s ways?

o What did that decision cost you or teach you?

3. Hard Teaching/Hard Calling:

o John 6 was used as an example of people leaving when Jesus’ call is misunderstood or feels too hard. What part of Jesus’ call can you struggle with or feels “too hard”? (Ex. Standing up against culture, standing out in your community/family, believing all the Bible says, consistently gathering and being in community, sacrificing, loving, etc.)

o What small, specific next step can you take to follow him there?

4. Redemption of Past Mistakes

o What is something painful from your past that God has brought good out of and redeemed?

o Is there something that you are waiting for God to redeem and bring good out of? How can this group pray or help you trust God to use it for good?

5. “Coming Home”

o Naomi returned when she heard God was providing bread again. Who in your life needs an invitation to come “home” this Christmas?

o Brainstorm one practical way you can invite someone to the Christmas Eve services (or simply to church) and commit to doing it this week.

How Do I... Series

Luke 6:27-36 | Phil Christian | November, 16 2025

Jesus calls His followers to a radically different kind of love—one that goes far beyond natural inclination or human fairness. In passages like Luke 6 and Matthew 5, He commands us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat or persecute us. This kind of love does not begin with emotion but with a determined choice to act like our Father in heaven, who shows kindness and mercy to both the righteous and the unrighteous. By turning the other cheek, giving freely, and treating others as we wish to be treated, we step away from our natural biases and into a spiritual way of living that reveals the true nature of God and authentic Christianity.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?

2. Read Luke 6:27-28; Matthew 5:43-45. Jesus focuses on “Love for Our Enemies”:

o Which of the four commands—1) Love your enemies, 2) do good to those who hate you, 3) bless those who curse you, or 4) pray for those who mistreat you—is most difficult for you take action on? Why do you think that is?

o How can you choose loving action over emotion when your feelings don’t align with what Jesus commands? How does Romans 5:8 model and motivate us to love like this?

o What natural biases or self-protective instincts do you find yourself needing to “walk away from” in order to live out Jesus’ teaching?

3. Read Luke 6:29-31. The “Golden Rule”

o In what practical ways can you “do to others as you would have them do to you” in a current conflict or strained relationship?

4. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. The Emphasis on Love

o How is Paul’s use of extremes emphasizing the important of you incorporating love in the various aspects of life? Does it matter how right you are if you don’t express love?

5. Read Luke: 32-36: What use is love if you…

o How might showing undeserved kindness or generosity this week help reveal God’s character to someone who doesn’t know Him?

o Where do you see an opportunity to reflect your Father’s mercy—to demonstrate the family resemblance of a Christian—in a way that costs you something?

Biblical Love Exercise:

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 13

List the following…