Tag: Naomi

God in Unexpected Outcomes (discussion questions)

Matt EricksonLeave a comment

Here are the discussion questions that accompany my message, “God in Unexpected Outcomes,” at Eastbrook Church this past weekend from Ruth 4:13-22.

Discussion Questions:

  1. This week we bring our series on Ruth, “Unexpected,” to a close. Whether you are on your own or in a small group, take time to read Ruth 4:13-22 aloud.
  2. These last verses in Ruth bring together many themes and loose ends from the book. The first theme relates to God’s provision for Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 4:13). Compare the end of Ruth and Boaz’s story to their beginnings (Ruth 1:3-5, 8-9, 16-18; 2:1-2, 8-12, 19-20; 3:9-13). How do you see God at work in their story?
  3. A second theme relates to God’s restoration for Naomi, moving her from emptiness to fullness. How has God been at work in Naomi’s life? Look specifically at Ruth 1:1-5, 19-21; 2:20-22; 3:1-5, 16-18;4:14-16.
  4. Naomi’s restoration does not necessarily bring answers to all of her suffering. Part of her restorationRead More »

God in Unexpected Outcomes (Ruth 4b)

Matt EricksonLeave a comment

This week at Eastbrook, I concluded our series on Ruth called “Unexpected” with a message from Ruth 4: 13-22 entitled “God in Unexpected Outcomes.” I built message around two core truths:

1) God is always at work in around us, and

2) As we live faithfully to God, God will bring unexpected outcomes from our lives.

You can listen to my message online at the Eastbrook web-site here. You can also follow Eastbrook Church on Twitter. I’ve included the outline for the message below:

Read More »

God in Unexpected Joy (discussion questions)

Matt EricksonLeave a comment

Here are the discussion questions that accompany my message, “God in Unexpected Joy,” at Eastbrook Church this past weekend from Ruth 4:1-12.

Discussion Questions:

  1. As we continue our series on Ruth entitled “Unexpected,” This week we continue our series, “Unexpected,” on Ruth by looking at Ruth 4:1-12. Whether you are on your own or in a small group, take time to read the chapter out loud.
  2. As mentioned last week, it is important to understand Bible backgrounds on the ‘guardian-redeemer’ or ‘kinsman-redeemer’, so read through Deuteronomy 25:5-10 and Leviticus 25:25-55.
  3. Boaz brings together the first guardian-redeemer in line and introduces the situation by referencing the land specifically. Why do you think that Boaz starts the discussion with the land and doesn’t mention Ruth until later?
  4. What do you think that Boaz’s words in 4:4, which echo 3:12-13, say about what sort of person he is and his view of God?Read More »

God in Unexpected Joy (Ruth 4a)

Matt EricksonLeave a comment

This week at Eastbrook, I continued our series on Ruth called “Unexpected” with a message from Ruth 4:1-12 entitled “God in Unexpected Joy.” The main point of my message is that God brings unexpected in the middle of our lives, even in empty places.

You can listen to my message online at the Eastbrook web-site here. You can also follow Eastbrook Church on Twitter. I’ve included the outline for the message below:

Read More »

God in Unexpected Risks (discussion questions)

Matt EricksonLeave a comment

Here are the discussion questions that accompany my message at Eastbrook Church this past weekend from Ruth 3 entitled “God in Unexpected Risks.”

Discussion Questions:

  1. As we continue our series on Ruth entitled “Unexpected,” this week we will look at chapter 3.  Whether you are on your own or in a small group, take time to read the chapter out loud.
  2. Verses 1-5 set the stage of the action that will happen in this chapter. Compare Naomi now with Naomi at the end of chapter 1 and beginning of chapter 2. What has happened with her? Also, take some time to notice Naomi’s original hope for her daughters-in-law (Ruth 1:8-9) with her plans here.Read More »