Richmond Community Church

Sermon: Kinsmen Redeemer
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Duration: 34:39
Size: 15.8 MB

Ruth: A Story of God’s Faithfulness
“Kinsmen Redeemer”
Ruth Chapter 4

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

Introduction

“The Velcro Effect” (God’s Faithfulness)
“It Just Happened” (God’s Provision)
“Amazing Love” (God’s Love)

Naomi had thoughts and feelings the days of redemption were beyond her.

I.  Old Testament Kinsman Redeemer

Ruth 4:1-6

Today we see from the book of Ruth a story of God’s Redemption.

II.  Christ Our Kinsman Redeemer

Ruth 4:6-8

In the Old Testament writings we have types and word pictures of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Redeemer must be blood related … Christ became the incarnation that He might be the blood relative to redeem lost humanity.
John 1:14

Redeemer must be able … Christ was able.
1 Peter 1:18-19

Redeemer must be willing … Christ was willing.
Hebrews 9:12

Christ purchased our freedom through His blood as the payment to redeem us.
Ephesians 2:11-13
Ephesians 2:19
Titus 2:14
Galatians 3:13
Ephesians 1:7

III.  The Benefits of Redemption

A. Redemption restores life.

Ruth 4:6-8

When death seemed inevitable redemption restored life.

Psalm 23:3-4
Psalm 51:12
Revelation 5:9

B. Redemption gives witness.

Ruth 4:9-10

We are witnesses not only of each other, but the redeeming work of God.

Psalm 107:2
Acts 1:8

C. Redemption gives new life.

Ruth 4:13-15,16,22

The lives of the redeemed share in the new life offered.

The story of redemption continues each time a person confesses and believes in Jesus Christ.

In Him we find the fulfillment of God’s faithfulness, care, and love.

In Him salvation is fulfilled for a sinful and lost mankind.

In Him we find that Ruth’s story is our story as we have a redeemer who is faithful and true.

Matthew 1:5-6
Matthew 1:16
Luke 2:36-38
Ephesians 1:7

Sermon: Amazing Love
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Duration: 33:29
Size: 15.3 MB

Ruth: A Story of God’s Faithfulness
“Amazing Love”
Ruth Chapter 3

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 (NIV)

Introduction

What is love?

Today we have before us a picture of love. It is a picture of God’s love, God is the source and sum of true love.

To get a clearer understanding of love let us not glean among the tares of the world for our definition, but from the wheat itself of God’s love.

I.  Love Provides Security

Ruth 3:1-3

God is a great provider. If we will only look around us we can see His loving provisions.

In Christ God has provided each of us with His secure love. A love that we do not have to earn. A love that will keep us eternally secure.

Put on the love of Jesus Christ, for there you will find the greatest provision of security.

Ephesians 3:20
Colossians 3:12-14

II.  Love Submits and Obeys

Ruth 3:4-7

Submit and obey, these are words that conjure up horrible thoughts among many today.

What we fail to understand is that in the field of loving security it is not a burden to submit and obey.

Ruth knows that a place of blessing is found in submission.

John 14:15
III.  Love Gives and Receives

Ruth 3:8-17

When love is received it continues to give.

Ruth was willing to give her life that she might receive life.

Love always gives and love always receives and in turn it will always give again.

Acts 20:35
John 12:25

Conclusion

If there is one quality of the Christian life that ought to out weigh and out shine all the others it is our love.

God loves you and when you know that you find His provisions. When you know God loves you, you can submit to Him in obedience. And when you receive God’s love you can give God’s love.

1 Corinthians 13:1-2,4-8a

June 27th
“Kinsmen Redeemer”
Ruth Chapter 4

Sermon: It Just Happened
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Duration: 42:31
Size: 19.4 MB

Ruth: A Story of God’s Faithfulness
“It Just Happened”
Ruth Chapter 2

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

Introduction

As Christians is this what we believe life comes down to? An order of fate by an uncaring higher power who is struggling to gain control of the universe?

Proverbs 16:9

I.  God’s Providential Care Allows Us To Go On

Coincidence: Is a small miracle where God prefers to remain anonymous.

The challenge for us is to see that God is behind the scenes working for our best.

“The point is not that following Christ will exempt one from trouble or pain. What it does provide is the assurance of God’s … presence in the midst of the stormy tempests of life.”

2 Timothy 1:12
Romans 8:28
Genesis 28:15-16

II.  God’s Providential Care Allows Us To Care

Cynicism breeds carelessness. The cynics 2nd favorite line is, “I don’t care!” The first is “I don’t believe that!”

God’s providential care had been showered upon Boaz and now he was willing to allow God to use him to show care for another.

I believe Ruth loved God with a whole heart and that allowed her to return and care further for Naomi.

The very truth that He providentially cares for us should lead us deeper into a life of caring for one another.

III.  God’s Providential Care Allows Us To Humble Ourselves

Ruth knew that she would not be well received in this new land on account of her heritage but she was willing to risk a chance with God.

Keep in mind and heart that Ruth is modeling for us what we should be.

She is here in the scripture not for some nice story to tell, but her life is for our admonition.

James 4:10
1 Peter 5:6-7

Conclusion

He is working in…today’s events to provide for you. Don’t miss it!

“May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have given me comfort…” Ruth 2:13 (NIV)

Next Week
“Amazing Love”
Ruth Chapter 3

Sermon: The Velcro Effect
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Duration: 27:01
Size: 12.3 MB

Ruth: A Story of God’s Faithfulness
“The Velcro Effect”
Ruth Chapter 1

Introduction

The Velcro Effect describes the relationship between God’s faithfulness to us and our need for Him.

I.  God’s Faithfulness

The days of the judges are known as the Dark Ages in Hebrew history.

Two phrases characterize the days of the judges.

• Did not drive out.
• In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.

Whatever you do isn’t fine… because your sin affects all of us.

II.  Times of Famine

Israel was experiencing a famine of food, caused by faithlessness to the covenant relationship with God.

But God would prove Himself faithful to sustain and provide.

III.  Times of Deliverance

Why is it that we often trust in ourselves to handle life’s trails, rather than rely upon God?

The wonderful thing about God’s faithfulness is that He is faithful even when we are not!

IV.  The Choices Made

Orpah chose to return to her people and her gods.

Ruth had a resolve about her.

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16 (NIV)

What a great declaration of faith and faithfulness.

Will we resolve that no matter what, we are going with God?

Conclusion

God’s Word declaring His faithfulness to you.

Deuteronomy 7:9
1 Corinthians 1:9
1 Corinthians 10:13
2 Thessalonians 3:3
1 John 1:9

Be faithful this week and cling to the God of your salvation…

Next Week
“It Just Happened”
Ruth Chapter 2