Friday, August 6, 2010

Seen In The Story - Sermon #2

As the video below illustrates, there are times when situations seem hopeless. At the end of the video the narrator states that hope is never over. This is a great truth and is seen in countless stories through out the history of God's people. The story being considered in our current series at CONNECT is the story of Ruth. In the first chapter God allows a tragedy to strike a family. It is when God allows these things that we are tempted be believe that he has forgotten us or that He simply does not exist. For many they give up and take life into their own hands and fight for what is theirs. Ruth presents a radical approach to facing tragedy. She totally forgoes her rights. In doing this she commits to her love for her mother-in-law.

In the second sermon in the series "Seen In The Story" four examples of love that forgoes its rights are presented:

1. God's example: Ruth 1:6 - God gave food to rebellious people following a time
of famine.
2. Naomi's example: Ruth 1:7-13 - Naomi released her daughter-in-laws from
caring for her as a widow.
3. Ruth's example: Ruth 1:14-22 - Ruth gave up her right to be free and find
another husband.
4. Jesus' example: Philippians 2:5-8 - Jesus gave up His to be served and became
a servant.

Do you think that you need to fight for your own rights? Can you love in such a way that forgoes your rights? How about when God allows tragedy? This is a radical way of looking at life, but the alternative is a life of getting what you can on your own. As I view our society that philosophy is not getting us very far.

Pastor Paul
connectavnaz@gmail.com

It's Not Over