Together in Hope: The Power of Community
Summary
### Summary
Today, we continued our series called "Storytellers," focusing on the power of sharing our stories and the hope that Christ brings into our lives. We explored the story of Ruth, a tale of hope and resilience amidst tragedy. Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi, her mother-in-law, exemplifies the power of community and shared stories. Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi, despite the hardships, highlights the importance of humility and the belief that God is bigger than our circumstances. This story teaches us that the best stories are written together, emphasizing the need for community and shared experiences.
We discussed the brutal realities faced by Ruth, Naomi, and Orpah, and how Ruth's hope in God allowed her to see beyond her immediate circumstances. Ruth's humility and willingness to include others in her life story demonstrate that we can go further together. This humility is essential in our modern age, where individualism often overshadows community. Ruth's story encourages us to embrace humility and community, knowing that God works through our collective experiences.
We also touched on the importance of evangelism and stewardship, urging everyone to invite others into our community. Sharing an invite is about sharing life and love, and the more we share, the more we receive. The best stories involve diverse characters, and our church community thrives on this diversity. We are called to be ruthlessly hopeful, to embrace new leaders, and to sacrifice for the growth of our community. The next chapter of our church will be written together, with new groups and leaders emerging to carry us forward.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Shared Stories: Ruth's story teaches us that the best stories are written together. Her commitment to Naomi, despite the hardships, shows the importance of community and shared experiences. When we see our lives as part of God's story, we realize we are not alone, and we can find hope and strength in our collective journey. [22:30]
2. Humility and Community: Ruth's humility in recognizing her need for Naomi and the God of Israel is a powerful lesson. In a world that often values individualism, embracing humility and community is essential. To know God requires humility, and being in community with others helps us grow spiritually and emotionally. [25:57]
3. Ruthless Hope: Ruth's hope in the face of adversity is a testament to her faith. She believed that God was bigger than her circumstances and chose to stay with Naomi. This ruthless hope is a call for us to be hopeful in our love for others, knowing that we can go further together. [23:43]
4. The Importance of Evangelism: Sharing an invite to our church community is about sharing life and love. The more we invite others, the more we create opportunities for love and growth. Evangelism is not just about numbers but about building meaningful relationships and expanding our community. [27:33]
5. Embracing Diversity: Our church community thrives on diversity, and each person's story is valuable. Embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences enriches our collective story. We are all needed in this story, and our unique experiences contribute to the richness of our community. [30:12]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:03] - Introduction to Storytellers Series
[18:03] - Reading from Ruth Chapter 1
[19:39] - The Best Stories Get Written Together
[21:04] - Brutality and Hope
[22:30] - Seeing Our Lives as Part of God's Story
[23:43] - Ruth's Ruthless Hope
[25:57] - Humility and Community
[27:33] - The Importance of Evangelism
[30:12] - Embracing Diversity
[31:50] - New Chapter for Shepherds
[33:08] - New Groups and Leaders
[35:06] - Ruthlessly Hopeful Together
[36:02] - Action Points: Who's Your Five
[37:42] - Communion
[46:11] - Prayer and Reflection
[47:31] - The Lord's Prayer
[48:53] - Generosity and Announcements
[50:00] - Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ruth 1:14-18 (NIV)
> "Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. And she said, 'See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.' But Ruth said, 'Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.' And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Ruth's response when Naomi urged her to return to her own people? (Ruth 1:16-17)
2. How did Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi demonstrate her commitment to community? [19:00]
3. What were the circumstances that led to Ruth, Naomi, and Orpah feeling alone and facing brutality? [21:04]
4. How does the sermon describe Ruth's hope and faith in God despite her difficult circumstances? [23:43]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi teach us about the importance of community and shared experiences? [19:39]
2. How does Ruth's humility in recognizing her need for Naomi and the God of Israel contrast with modern values of individualism? [25:57]
3. In what ways does Ruth's "ruthless hope" serve as a model for us in facing our own adversities? [23:43]
4. How can the act of inviting others into our church community be seen as an extension of sharing life and love? [27:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt alone or faced a difficult situation. How did the support of others help you through it? How can you offer similar support to someone else in your community? [21:04]
2. Ruth showed great humility by acknowledging her need for Naomi and the God of Israel. In what areas of your life do you need to embrace humility and seek help from others? [25:57]
3. Ruth's hope in God was unwavering despite her circumstances. How can you cultivate a similar "ruthless hope" in your own life? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith during tough times? [23:43]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of evangelism and inviting others into our community. Identify one person you can invite to church or a small group this week. How will you approach them, and what will you say? [27:33]
5. Our church thrives on diversity, and each person's story is valuable. How can you actively embrace and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and experiences within our church community? [30:12]
6. The next chapter of our church involves new leaders and groups. Are you willing to step up and take on a leadership role or join a new group? What might be holding you back, and how can you overcome those obstacles? [33:08]
7. Think about the five people you want to invite to church over the next year. What specific actions will you take to build relationships with them and extend an invitation? [36:02]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of community, humility, hope, evangelism, and diversity as illustrated in the story of Ruth and the sermon. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussions and encourage practical applications in your daily lives.
Devotional
### Day 1: The Power of Shared Stories
Ruth's story teaches us that the best stories are written together. Her commitment to Naomi, despite the hardships, shows the importance of community and shared experiences. When we see our lives as part of God's story, we realize we are not alone, and we can find hope and strength in our collective journey. [22:30]
Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi, her mother-in-law, exemplifies the power of community and shared stories. Despite facing immense hardships, Ruth chose to stay with Naomi, demonstrating that the best stories are written together. This decision highlights the importance of humility and the belief that God is bigger than our circumstances. Ruth's story teaches us that we are not alone in our struggles; we are part of a larger narrative that God is writing. By sharing our stories and experiences, we can find hope and strength in our collective journey.
In our modern age, where individualism often overshadows community, Ruth's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of shared experiences. When we see our lives as part of God's story, we realize that we are not isolated; we are connected to others through our shared faith and experiences. This connection provides us with the support and encouragement we need to navigate life's challenges. By embracing the power of shared stories, we can build stronger, more resilient communities that reflect God's love and grace.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Think of a time when sharing your story with someone else brought you comfort or strength. How can you be more intentional about sharing your experiences with others in your community this week?
### Day 2: Humility and Community
Ruth's humility in recognizing her need for Naomi and the God of Israel is a powerful lesson. In a world that often values individualism, embracing humility and community is essential. To know God requires humility, and being in community with others helps us grow spiritually and emotionally. [25:57]
Ruth's humility in recognizing her need for Naomi and the God of Israel is a powerful lesson for us today. In a world that often values individualism and self-sufficiency, Ruth's story reminds us of the importance of humility and community. Ruth's willingness to include others in her life story demonstrates that we can go further together. This humility is essential in our spiritual journey, as it allows us to acknowledge our need for God and for the support of others.
Being in community with others helps us grow spiritually and emotionally. It provides us with opportunities to learn from one another, to support each other, and to experience God's love in tangible ways. Embracing humility and community requires us to set aside our pride and to recognize that we are not meant to navigate life alone. By doing so, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of God's grace and the strength that comes from being part of a loving, supportive community.
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle with pride or self-sufficiency. How can you practice humility and seek support from your community in this area?
### Day 3: Ruthless Hope
Ruth's hope in the face of adversity is a testament to her faith. She believed that God was bigger than her circumstances and chose to stay with Naomi. This ruthless hope is a call for us to be hopeful in our love for others, knowing that we can go further together. [23:43]
Ruth's hope in the face of adversity is a powerful testament to her faith. Despite the brutal realities she faced, Ruth chose to stay with Naomi, believing that God was bigger than her circumstances. This ruthless hope allowed her to see beyond her immediate struggles and to trust in God's plan for her life. Ruth's story encourages us to embrace a similar hope, one that is unwavering and steadfast, even in the face of challenges.
This ruthless hope is a call for us to be hopeful in our love for others. It reminds us that we can go further together, supporting and encouraging one another as we navigate life's difficulties. By holding onto hope and trusting in God's goodness, we can find the strength to persevere and to extend love and compassion to those around us. Ruth's example challenges us to be ruthlessly hopeful, knowing that God is at work in our lives and in our communities.
Romans 15:13 (ESV): "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you are struggling to find hope. How can you trust in God's plan and extend hope to others in this situation?
### Day 4: The Importance of Evangelism
Sharing an invite to our church community is about sharing life and love. The more we invite others, the more we create opportunities for love and growth. Evangelism is not just about numbers but about building meaningful relationships and expanding our community. [27:33]
Evangelism is an essential aspect of our faith, as it involves sharing the love and hope we have found in Christ with others. Inviting others into our church community is not just about increasing numbers; it is about sharing life and love. When we extend an invitation, we create opportunities for meaningful relationships to form and for our community to grow in love and faith. Evangelism is about building connections and expanding our community, allowing more people to experience the transformative power of God's love.
By inviting others into our community, we open the door for them to encounter God's grace and to find support and encouragement in their spiritual journey. Evangelism is an act of love, as it involves reaching out to others and sharing the hope and joy we have found in Christ. As we embrace the importance of evangelism, we can create a welcoming and inclusive community that reflects God's love and extends it to those around us.
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may benefit from being part of a loving and supportive community. How can you extend an invitation to them this week and share the love of Christ with them?
### Day 5: Embracing Diversity
Our church community thrives on diversity, and each person's story is valuable. Embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences enriches our collective story. We are all needed in this story, and our unique experiences contribute to the richness of our community. [30:12]
Our church community thrives on diversity, as each person's story and background bring unique perspectives and experiences that enrich our collective narrative. Embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences allows us to see the fullness of God's creation and to appreciate the beauty of our differences. Each person's story is valuable, and we are all needed in this larger story that God is writing.
By embracing diversity, we create a more inclusive and welcoming community where everyone feels valued and accepted. This diversity reflects the kingdom of God, where people from all walks of life come together to worship and serve. Our unique experiences contribute to the richness of our community, allowing us to learn from one another and to grow in our understanding of God's love and grace. As we embrace diversity, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community that reflects the heart of God.
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Reflect on how diversity has enriched your own life and faith journey. How can you be more intentional about embracing and celebrating the diverse backgrounds and experiences within your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "To be a storyteller is to see the world around us as something that can change. What's important about this series called Storytellers is us looking at the reality that the way things are are not the way things must be, that rather things can change, things can grow, things can get better. To be willing to tell the story of the gospel is to be hopeful enough to know God is not through." [17:03] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Ruth decided that God was bigger than her circumstances. God, or Ruth decided that the God of Israel, the God that Naomi followed was bigger than the circumstances that she found herself in, bigger than the brutality that she experienced. Bigger than the pain that she felt in isolation. She knew that she couldn't be alone because she knew that the God of the universe was bigger than her circumstances." [21:46] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sharing an invite to be a part of what God is doing at Shepherds means that you're wanting to share life with others. The more love we share, the more love we receive. When we create these invitations, these opportunities to bring people along, we are making and we are creating love and we will receive that same love." [27:33] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We will fly or fail depending on our willingness to go together. This church will fly, this church will fail, completely dependent on whether or not we choose to go together. In this next chapter, we will be ruthlessly hopeful. Everyone say ruthlessly hopeful. We will be ruthlessly hopeful together. We will see things that seem impossible for us to do on our own. We will choose to do them together and they will feel simple." [35:06] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Know this, we will fly or fail depending on our willingness to go together. This church will fly, this church will fail, completely dependent on whether or not we choose to go together. In this next chapter, we will be ruthlessly hopeful. Everyone say ruthlessly hopeful. We will be ruthlessly hopeful together. We will see things that seem impossible for us to do on our own. We will choose to do them together and they will feel simple." [35:06] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The best stories get written together. If we're going to be storytellers, we need to know that the best stories get written together. Let's look at the characters. We see in this story. First, it's Oprah. Just kidding, it's Orpah. It's very easy to read Oprah when you read this story. It looks pretty much like the same name, but it's just a little bit different. Orpah." [19:39] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Ruth shows us that to include others in our life story is to carry hope that we can go further together. Ruth had this hope that with Naomi in her life, she could go further together. To include others in our life story is to carry hope that we can go further together. In this life, we will be given opportunity after opportunity to feel as if we are on our own, that we have no one to rely on, that we have no one to care for us." [23:43] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Ruth had to have some humility. Everyone say humility. Humility is the realization that we could not possess all the answers. The humility of Ruth was that she knew that if she struck out on her own, she would need something that Naomi had, that the God of Israel was offering her. She knew that she didn't have all of her own strength. She knew that she needed others. To decide to do life together with other people requires a great deal of humility." [24:34] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Ruth shows us that humility can lead to miracles. Spoiler alert, if you read the rest of Ruth, you find that Ruth ends up having a pretty remarkable life. She finds a man who's generous, she finds stability, she finds community. As a Moabite, as a different sort of person, she finds a new community with the people of Israel. The God of Israel shows up and provides more than she could have ever imagined. Her life is made right because, friends, the best stories get written together." [26:28] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The adventures that we will tell about this church community, the challenges, the tales that we will tell will always include others. Whenever I talk about Shepherds, I am not talking about the sermons that I wrote by myself. I am not talking about the prayers that I prayed on my own. Instead, I'm talking about the miracles that God has done in this community. Seeing the life change of individuals, other people are where the stories lie." [28:10] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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