Author: Brian

Follower of Jesus, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pastor

Ruth 1-4: The Story of Ruth

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(1-2) What evidence do you see of Ruth’s full commitment to the God of Israel (1:16-17)?

What does she leave behind?  What has she gained (2:12b)?

How does her example challenge you?

(1-4) Kindness is a recurring theme throughout the book.  How does Ruth show kindness to Naomi?  To Boaz?

How does Boaz show kindness to Ruth and Naomi?

How does Naomi show kindness to Ruth?

How might we apply their example to our own lives?  Be specific.

(1-4) Kindness in 2:20 could refer to Boaz’s kindness or to God’s kindness.  How does God show his kindness toward Ruth and Naomi?

In what similar ways, has he shown his kindness toward you?

(2-4) Another recurring theme is redemption.  In what way is Boaz a redeemer for Ruth?  How does she ask?  What does he do?

How does Boaz’s redemption of Ruth point to Jesus?

How does their son point to Jesus (4:14-16)?

(1-4) What evidence of God’s sovereignty do you see in the details of this story?  In this story’s place in God’s plan of redemption?

(1-4) The book begins with loss as Naomi comes back bitter and empty.  By the end of the book there is new life, and Naomi has found blessing and joy.  How is that an encouragement to you?

Sermon Songs: Ephesians 6:10-13

On By BrianIn Ephesians Hymns

MusicNotes

Finally be strong in the Lord
And in the strength of His might
So stand against the devil’s hoard
The powers of the dark night
The devil weaves his schemes
Offering good it seems
Sin wrapped up in disguise
He tempts us with his lies
We must put on God’s armor

 (To the tune of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”)

Reflections on Judges 19-21

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Our passage today reveals the depths of depravity to which Israel had sunk, and serves as a fitting reminder of the sinfulness of man.

  • Depravity – This entire passage reveals the depths to which Israel has fallen. Assault, rape, murder – this is not a cheerful story.  The story of the Levite in Gibeah has obvious parallels with the story of Lot in Sodom.  It is a sad reminder of the depravity of man.  Man is sinful, and in great need of a Savior!
  • Moral relativism – The book closes with the phrase: “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” They did what they wanted to do, rather than what God wanted them to do.  We see this early in the book, escalating as the book continues, and reaching its climax with Gibeah’s atrocities.  In what ways do you see this same approach in our society today?  Do you see this approach in your life?

 

Current

On By BrianIn Current Collection

A few more helpful posts as we think about the upcoming election:

10 Guidelines for Christian Voters – Brian G. Najapfour

To Those Christians (and Others) Who Can’t Vote for Trump or Clinton – Frank Turek (AFA)

What Christians Should Do This Election Season: Give Space, Show Grace – Trevin Wax

What You Should Know About The… – Joe Carter (TGC)
Republican Party Platform
Democratic Party Platform
Libertarian Party Platform
American Solidarity Platform
Green Party Platform
Constitution Party Platform

If you missed the other two election collections, you can find them here and here.

Reflections on Judges 17-18

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Today’s passage focuses on the way Israel twisted their worship to fit their own ideas.

  • Idolatry – Micah’s mom ironically dedicates some money to the Lord to make a carved image which the Lord had clearly forbidden in the second commandment. Micah then sets it up in a shrine, making one of his sons a priest.  Later Micah makes a Levite his priest, concluding that now the Lord will prosper him.  Micah apparently thinks that he is worshipping God acceptably, but he is not worshipping as God has commanded.  Are you worshipping God in the way God commands or have you made up your own way of approaching God?
  • Idolatry Spreads – What begins with Micah spreads to the entire tribe of Dan. Our personal actions have consequences beyond us.  Our sin spreads to others.  How have other people’s sin tempted you to stray?  What sins in your life do you need to address before you lead someone else astray?

Judges 17-21: Right In Our Own Eyes

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(17) In one sentence, summarize the story of Micah and his mom.

Which of the Ten Commandments did they break and how?

How is their story a good example of “do-it-yourself” religion?

Give some examples of “do-it-yourself” religion in our world today.

(18) How does Micah’s idolatry spread to a whole tribe?

Again, which of the Ten Commandments did the Levite and the tribe of Dan break and how?

(19-21) Chapter 19 relates horrible events that first mirrors the story of Sodom, and then gets even worse – all of it now taking place in Israel!  How does Israel respond in chapter 20?

What small glimmer of godliness is found in chapter 20?

What problem does Israel now have in chapter 21?  Did they seek the Lord’s direction to address the problem?  What did they do?

(17-21) What editorial comment does the writer make four times in this passage (17:17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25)?

Why is that significant?  How does it relate to Israel’s wickedness in these chapters?

What application is there for us today?

(17-21) What editorial comment does the writer use as a bookmark for these chapters (17:6, 21:25)?  Why is this a good summary of these chapters?

In what ways do you see this in our country and world today?

When are we tempted to live this way?  Why?

Sermon Songs: Ephesians 6:10-13

On By BrianIn Ephesians Hymns

MusicNotes

Worker obey your employer
In service to the Lord
With a good will and true honor
Your work Christ will reward
The work you do is our God’s will
What you were made to do
Serve God and people with your skill
Do what is good and true

Employer treat your workers well
With respect and honor
Do not threaten, demean, or yell
Your Master remember
We’re all called to humility
To give ourselves in love
We all have the same dignity
Before our God above

(To the tune of “We Sing the Greatness of Our God”)

Reflections on Judges 13-16

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Our passage today focuses on Samson.  He was a man used mightily by God despite his many moral flaws.  Note:

  • Disobedience – The list of Samson’s sins is long. God told Israel not to intermarry with the inhabitants of the land, but Samson did anyway.  As a Nazirite, he was not to go near a dead body (Numbers 6), yet he scraped honey from the carcass of a lion and ate it.  He slept with a prostitute.  He acts out of anger and vengefulness.  He often seems to have a complete disregard for the commands of God.  What about you?
  • Wisdom – Samson often seems to lack in wisdom. He fails to see the potential problems of marrying a Philistine.  He foolishly tells his wife the riddle.  Later, he foolishly tells Delilah the secret of his strength.  Are you making wise choices?
  • Faith – Despite his failings, Hebrews 11 includes him as an example of faith. Samson apparently trusted God to help him as he fought the Philistines.  He looked to God to help him bring the house down upon the Philistines even though it meant his own death.  Are you walking by faith?
  • God’s Sovereignty – Samson’s life points clearly to the truth that God can make use of even our shortcomings for his purposes. Though it was wrong for Samson to marry a Philistine, God used it as an opportunity for Samson to fight them (see 14:4).  God used Samson flaws and all, and he can use us flaws and all.  That is not an excuse for us to be complacent – who knows how much more God might have used Samson if he had been given over completely to God.  But it should encourage us to know that God can bring good even out of our moral failures, and that God can use imperfect people like us.

Current

On By BrianIn Current Collection1 Comment

Here are some more helpful posts on the upcoming election:

Seeking Clarity in this Confusing Election Season: Ten Thoughts – Kevin DeYoung

If You Don’t Like Either Candidate, Then Vote for Trump’s Policies – Wayne Grudem (TH)

Should Christians Vote for Trump? – Eric Metaxas (WSJ)

Hillary Clinton Is a Threat to Religious Liberty – Marc Thiessen (WP)

 

Reflections on Judges 11-12

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Our passage today focuses on Jephthah. Consider:

  • Lack of peace –Jephthah delivers Israel from the Ammonites, but then we see him leading some of God’s people to fight against another tribe of God’s people. As a result, 42,000 people die.  How sad when God’s people fight among themselves.  Are you fighting with another of God’s people?  Is there strife, conflict, bitterness, anger between you and another?  What will you do to seek peace?
  • Rash words – Before Jephthah goes to fight the battle, he utters rash foolish words that cost him the life of his only child. Our words may not usually have such dire consequences, but we too speak words without thinking that hurt others.  When have you spoken such rash words?  How might you be more careful to guard your tongue?