This is Part 2 of a three part series titled: “Where You Go” . It is a look at the Book of Ruth in which we seek to establish relationships fostering respect and love in order to align ourselves with God’s will for our living with one another.

Part 1 of a series titled; “Where You Go”. It is based on the Book of Ruth. It is a relatively short book. Perhaps the best-known verse being, Chapter 1:16, For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God.”

This discussion of the Book of Ruth is intended to demonstrate the kind of idealized kinship that we would hope exists in all our relationships and would help us to align with God’s will for our living with one another.

Part 1 is titled: “I Go”.

Even a person with a troubled past will find God’s promise of forgiveness and grace on their path to doing good works for benefit of the Kingdom. Today, we meet Rahab in a message titled; “Great is Thy Faithfulness”.

The Book of Esther is a short book in the Old Testament. In the Jewish tradition it is read twice each day during the Festival of Purim. Traditionally, the story focuses on the actions of Queen Esther. This story however possesses a very powerful message regarding gender equality and women’s rights. This aspect of the story may not be apparent on first reading, particularly if one is focused on Esther, but it is there. This message focuses instead on Queen Vashti who is removed from her throne for standing up to the King and refusing to be victimized.

At a time when the U.S. is faced with a massive cover up of sexual abuse referred to as “the Epstein files” and in recent days is confronted with a disgusting case of sexual misconduct by seven men at Cornell University, this message needs to be heard!

It might seem like a miracle story ( and a strange one at that), but it’s far more. It is a lesson in patient understanding, paying attention to what matters, and appreciating the miracles around us. The story of the healing of the Gerasene Demoniac is told in Mark, Matthew, and Luke. For this message, Mark’s version is featured. It can be found in Mark Chapter 5 verses 1-10.

We’ve heard that “pride comes before the fall”. Perhaps no biblical story makes this clearer than the story of Samson from Judges Chapters 13-16. This story from the Old Testament has some very contemporary parallels which most likely won’t have to be pointed out.

What does it mean to “give up everything and follow Him?”

This message focuses on Luke 5:1-11, from early in Jesus’ ministry as he recruits disciples.

We meet Simon-Peter, John and James after a night of bad fishing. The story told in parallel to a contemporary one act play titled: What Are We Going To Do With All These Rotting Fish?”

Through these stories, we learn what it means to follow Jesus teaching vs the expectations of the world.

A lesson in humility. Based on the Gospel of Luke Chapter 14: 7-14.