Embracing Redemption: A Journey of Faith and Love

Devotional

Day 1: Baptism as a New Beginning

Baptism is a profound declaration of faith, symbolizing the transformative power of Jesus' love and grace. It marks the beginning of a new life in Christ, where believers are called to deny themselves and follow Him wholeheartedly. This act of public declaration is not just a ritual but a commitment to live a life of obedience and self-denial, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus in every aspect of life. As we witness the baptism of individuals like Kirsten, we are reminded of the new life we are called to live, a life that is rooted in the love and grace of Jesus. [05:48]

"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27, ESV)

Reflection: Think about your own journey of faith. How can you renew your commitment to live a life of obedience and self-denial today?

Day 2: Hope in Times of Grief

In moments of grief and loss, we find comfort in the steadfastness of the Lord. The hope we have in the resurrection of Jesus allows us to grieve with hope, trusting in God's eternal promises. As we mourn with the Clower family over the loss of Lindsay, we are reminded that our hope is anchored in Christ, who conquered death and offers us eternal life. This hope does not eliminate our pain but provides a foundation of comfort and assurance that God is with us in our darkest moments. [30:18]

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope." (1 Thessalonians 4:13, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you find comfort in God's promises during times of personal grief or loss?

Day 3: Trusting God's Sovereignty in Societal Responsibilities

As we approach elections and other societal responsibilities, we must remember that God is the ultimate authority. Our actions should reflect Christ's humility and obedience, trusting in His sovereignty over all earthly powers. While we have a responsibility to engage in societal matters, our ultimate trust should be in God's plan and purpose. This perspective allows us to approach our civic duties with a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that God is in control. [31:36]

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in societal responsibilities while maintaining a posture of trust in God's sovereignty?

Day 4: Redemption and Love in the Story of Ruth

The story of Ruth and Boaz teaches us about God's unwavering love and redemption. Boaz's determination to love well and count the cost points us to Christ, the perfect Redeemer, who gave His life for us. This narrative is not just about finding the perfect partner but about a God who never gives up on His children. In our relationships, we are called to reflect this redeeming love, rooted in the cross of Jesus Christ, by loving others with integrity and purpose. [39:31]

"And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression, declares the Lord." (Isaiah 59:20, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate redeeming love in your relationships today, reflecting the love of Christ?

Day 5: The Power of the Cross

God's love is greater than any earthly possession or status. The cross of Jesus Christ is the ultimate demonstration of this love, calling us to live in forgiveness and grace, extending His love to others. As we reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus, we are reminded that His love is the foundation of our faith and the source of our strength. This love compels us to forgive others and extend grace, living a life that reflects the love of Christ in all we do. [58:32]

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the love and grace of Christ through you today? How can you extend this love to them?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we celebrated the profound journey of faith through the baptism of Kirsten, a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' love and grace. This act of public declaration reminds us of the new life we are called to live in Christ, a life marked by the willingness to deny ourselves and follow Him wholeheartedly. As we prayed for Kirsten and Terry, we also turned our hearts to the Clower family, mourning the loss of Lindsay, yet holding onto the hope and comfort that only God can provide. In these moments of grief, we are reminded of the steadfastness of the Lord and the hope we have in Christ, even as we face life's uncertainties.

Reflecting on Philippians 2, we are called to emulate Christ's humility and obedience, recognizing that our ultimate hope lies in the resurrected King, Jesus. As we approach the upcoming election, we are reminded of our responsibility to vote, while acknowledging that God is the ultimate authority above all earthly powers. This Sunday also marks a day of remembrance for the persecuted church, prompting us to appreciate the freedoms we have and to pray for our brothers and sisters worldwide who do not share these liberties.

Turning to the book of Ruth, we explored the themes of redemption and God's unwavering love. Ruth's story is not about finding the perfect partner but about a God who never gives up on His children. Boaz, a key figure in this narrative, exemplifies a man determined to love well, counting the cost of love and acting with integrity and purpose. His actions point us to Christ, the perfect Redeemer, who gave His life for us. In our relationships, we are called to reflect this redeeming love, rooted in the cross of Jesus Christ.

As we conclude, we are reminded that God's love is greater than any earthly possession or status. His love is demonstrated through the cross, where Jesus paid the ultimate price for our redemption. We are called to live in this love, to forgive, and to extend grace to others. Let us rally around Jesus, the one who saves, and lift our voices in praise, acknowledging His goodness and mercy.

Key Takeaways

1. Baptism is a powerful declaration of faith, symbolizing the new life we have in Christ. It is a reminder of the transformative power of Jesus' love and grace, calling us to live a life of obedience and self-denial. [05:48]
2. In times of grief and loss, we find comfort in the steadfastness of the Lord. Our hope is anchored in the resurrection of Jesus, allowing us to grieve with hope and trust in God's eternal promises. [30:18]
3. As we approach elections and other societal responsibilities, we must remember that God is the ultimate authority. Our actions should reflect Christ's humility and obedience, trusting in His sovereignty over all earthly powers. [31:36]
4. The story of Ruth and Boaz teaches us about God's unwavering love and redemption. Boaz's determination to love well and count the cost points us to Christ, the perfect Redeemer, who gave His life for us. [39:31]
5. God's love is greater than any earthly possession or status. The cross of Jesus Christ is the ultimate demonstration of this love, calling us to live in forgiveness and grace, extending His love to others. [58:32]
** [58:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:55] - Baptism and Testimony
[05:48] - Prayer for Kirsten and Terry
[29:30] - Remembering Lindsay Clower
[30:18] - Comfort in Grief
[31:36] - Praying for the Election
[32:51] - Christ's Sovereignty
[38:16] - Introduction to Ruth
[39:31] - God's Unwavering Love
[40:33] - Boaz's Example
[41:34] - Determination to Love Well
[43:58] - Counting the Cost
[45:42] - Redemption and Sacrifice
[47:46] - Love Beyond Attraction
[58:32] - The Power of the Cross
[69:37] - Call to Worship and Praise

Sermon Clips

1. "It's about a God who in the plainest sense of the words does not give up on his children. And is faithful to the end. Just like the Jesus storybook Bible says, you see, no matter what, talking of God, in spite of everything, God would love his children with a never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, unbreakable love. Always and forever love. Glory to God in the highest. He doesn't give up on us, does he?" ([00:39:49] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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2. "You know, husbands, we can learn a lot from this passage. Especially about the way Boaz handles himself. But we can learn more from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because Ephesians 5 .25 says, Husbands, love your wives as who? Not as Boaz. As Christ loved the church. And gave himself up for her. And there has to be a determination to live like this. You've got to want it." ([00:41:13] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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3. "It's not just a, there has to be this determination to live like this. And it just doesn't happen by chance. And it's not the product of just mere attraction. It's really chesed love. And that's what marriage is based off of. That's what our relationships are based off of. That's the way that we interact together. It's this redeeming love that goes beyond just mere attraction or that person has something to give me. It's not a quid pro quo with one another in the church or with God. That's not it. It's a deep abiding relationship that has its roots deep in the cross of Jesus Christ." ([00:41:54] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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4. "Delayed obedience sometimes is disobedience. And he does not delay his obedience. He goes right there. He goes to the city gate. And guess who's there? This guy that in the Hebrew, the closest thing we can get to is he says, hey, you. And it's this other guy who remains nameless. You know Boaz's name, but you don't know this other guy's name. He actually is just known as the Redeemer." ([00:43:43] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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5. "Boaz's heart's a lot nearer than his God. You're going to see why here in a minute. Now, he sees this man probably out of divine providence, and ultimately he says, hey, you. The Hebrew words, when he says this, actually it can almost, it sounds like the word widow in a sense. And it reminds us, it calls, if you heard the Hebrew said, that this is indeed about a widow. And what will happen to Ruth? This is what this story is about at this time." ([00:44:25] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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6. "You see, I don't know. You're going to see out of the one man, there's going to be some attraction to this offering that he has. He's going to be offered land. And who's not attracted to land? Someone came to you and said, yeah, I've got a prime piece of property. I mean, it's prime. And you know what? You're going to be able to plant your field. You're going to be able to build on it. You're going to be able to do all kinds of things. You have the opportunity to buy this land." ([00:45:47] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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7. "Because just like in love, and especially if you're thinking about marriage, or you're thinking about courtship or dating or whatever it is, however terminology you want to put at it, a lot of times we are attracted, to those people. We're attracted to things. And often we are attracted for all kinds of things. A lot of it might be physical beauty. It might be the desire or the ability for a man to take care of a woman. Whatever it is that you're attracted to. But I will tell you, over time, guess what happens with attraction? Fizzles out." ([00:46:24] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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8. "Love flows from open hands, not closed fists. And often, whether it's in a marriage, or often if it's raising kids, or often if you are with believers in a church, it's hard to see the beauty of others, isn't it? And it's actually really hard to see the beauty and goodness of God when we only see our reflection. And that's Naomi's problem." ([00:50:32] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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9. "The cost is too great. Love, church, will stop. Love, church, will stop. Where you say the cost is too great. And every one of us has done that. Some of you have been hurt by a family member. Some of you have had things said about you, true or untrue. Some people have never given you a chance. And often, when you count the cost of either forgiveness or having a relationship with that person, love will stop where you quit committing." ([00:55:13] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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10. "Oh my friends, we have something greater than a sandal today. Oh my friends. My friends, we have something greater than footwear today. What do we have? I will tell you if you feel lost, broken, nobody loves you, nobody understands you. If you are guilt stricken this morning. If you have forgotten how powerful God's love is. If you have forgotten where you are. If you have forgotten your way. Lost as a wandering sheep. Let me tell you, let me bring you back. Look at the cross if you ever think that God doesn't. Love you." ([01:01:33] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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