Ruth

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier RESCUE AND REST g A Devotional Bible Study on the Book of Ruth by Sue LeBoutillier Copyright © 2021 Sue LeBouƟllier Published by: Calvary Chapel — Ontario, Oregon

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier g Rescue and Rest g Lessons from the Book of Ruth Dear Friend, The book of Ruth is my favorite story in the Bible. Oddly enough, the Ɵmeframe in which it takes place is my least favorite part of the Bible — the Ɵme of the Judges. That was a very dark period in Israel’s history. God’s people had turned from Him, they had embraced the surrounding culture of idols, and they reaped the unfortunate con- sequences. But, I believe the highlight of God’s rescue mission in Ruth shines even brighter against the dark backdrop that those days produced. Historically, this book details God’s Ɵmely rescue of one ancient Moabite woman, who, in turn, found herself in the lineage of Israel’s great King — David. Spiritually, this short work illustrates God’s rescue mission for each one of us, as He graciously guides us to just the right place, where we might know and understand His love, and ulƟmately find the rest that our souls crave through the redeeming power of His Son. The journey through Ruth could truly be described as, “The Romance of RedempƟon.” This tender and engaging love story of Boaz and Ruth is what we all crave and cheer for, as we read it. And the love story that it symbolizes — the Gospel of Jesus Christ — is just as tender and engaging, and we honestly crave that as well! As you begin your Bible study each week, here are some suggesƟons as to how to approach this study of God’s Word: · Pray for God to enlighten your mind and minister to your heart, as you approach the Scriptures. · Read the passage indicated for that day — someƟmes reading aloud is a good strategy to learn familiar Scriptures in new ways.

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier · Write the verses assigned for that day in a journal or notebook. The act of handwriƟng is one of my favorite techniques to slow us down and help us process each word we write. AND we also end up with a copy of the book of Ruth (all 85 verses) wriƩen in our own hand. · Answer the simple quesƟons in your Study Guide and apply the challenges and thoughts to your own life. These will be a great resource in your small group discussions. · ParƟcipate in a discussion group, if possible — even if it’s just you and a friend. Sharing with other women, as you communicate your thoughts and listen to their discoveries and perspecƟves, is an important part of community life. Wherever you are or whatever type of a group you are gathering with to study together, I pray that the Lord will richly bless you, as you learn to know Him beƩer through His Word— Sue LeBoutillier sue@ccontario.com *The best translaƟon of the Bible to use is the one you understand the most easily—and using more than one translaƟon can be a great aid to study! This study guide was created using a combinaƟon of the NIV (New InternaƟonal Version) and the ESV (English Standard Version), both of which may be helpful tools as you work through your study. To watch the video teachings for this Bible Study go to: ccontario.com or YouTube.com/calvarychapelontario

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Use these pages for note-taking with the introductory teaching video. (www.ccontario.com/wow-ruth) If you are studying in a group, the quesƟons on page 6 may provide some good discussion starters following the video. Ruth 1:1-2 — Who was the author of Ruth? In what Ɵme period of history did these events happen? List the family members, introduced in v.2, on the lines below and draw liƩle sƟck characters to depict each one: ________ ________ ________ ________ What was the family’s place of residence before the famine? __________________________ in ___________________ (town) (tribal area) Where did they head due of the famine? ______________________ (country) Names and their meanings: Elimelech ____________________________ Naomi ____________________________ Bethlehem ____________________________ Judah ____________________________ Moab ___________________________ Week One — Introduction Ruth 1:1-2

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Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Questions for Thought & Discussion For Fun: — If you had to relocate somewhere for exactly one year--where would you sojourn? — What is one thing in your life that you couldn’t live without? For Serious (to share or just ponder): — What one thing, if found lacking in your life, might tempt you to distance yourself from the Lord? 1. Naomi and Elimelech lived during the Ɵme of the Judges. How was the complexity of that culture similar to yours? 2. What was lacking in Naomi and Elimelech’s life that caused them to leave the land God had promised and given them? 3. What do you think may have kept Elimelech from crying out to God, and trusƟng God for provision during the famine? 4. We too face difficulƟes, trials, and setbacks — these can prevent us from going to the Lord as well. What causes you to delay in asking God for help and how can you change that?

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier The Journey of Elimelech and Naomi Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest — You will find rest for your souls! — MaƩhew 11:28-29 (ESV) 1) The journey of Elimelech’s family from Bethlehem to Moab 2) The journey of Naomi and Ruth form Moab to Bethlehem 2) The journey of Joshua and the children of Israel into the Land of Promise

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Every good storyteller or playwright carefully arranges the opening and seƫng of their story so that the audience’s imaginaƟon will make the narraƟve come to life. By the Ɵme any dialog or drama happens, the reader has a preƩy solid understanding of the Ɵme, place, economic status, and perhaps even values of the main characters. The writer of the book of Ruth only gave us a few names, places, and details but, since we possess a wealth of supporƟng Biblical context, (parƟcularly from the book of Judges), those first two verses have already laid a solid foundaƟon from which to build upon this week. a READ and WRITE Ruth 1:1-5 in your journal. During the days when the Judges ruled, when Israel turned from God and turned to idols, God would strengthen the hand of her enemies. Israel’s life became difficult. God intended for His people to turn to Him, to cry out and seek Him, so He could rescue them. SomeƟmes, God used other difficulƟes than merely surrounding enemies. In fact, He promised that He would use a variety of adversiƟes to get their aƩenƟon if they turned away from Him. Read Deuteronomy 28:1-6, 15, 38-40. Summarize God’s promised blessings and curses: · How do you think the current famine fit into that promise? We just got familiar with this family and tragedy struck — Elimelech died! Naomi became a widow, completely dependent on her two sons, who both took wives from the women of Moab, aŌer Dad died. Week Two — Ruth 1:3-13 Day 1:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Read Deuteronomy 7:1-4. Explain the disconnect between this family’s decisions regarding marriage and God’s Law: Make a new diagram of figures (like last week) to represent the current family, as described through v.4 (aŌer one funeral and two weddings). List their names above the line and their country of origin below the line. __Naomi__ ________ ________ ________ ________ · How many years passed in Moab (v.4)? More tragedy! Read v.5 and then strike a line through the figures above to represent the remaining family members aŌer 10+ years in Moab. Now, there are no male family members to lean upon. In any culture, this is unfortunate, but at a Ɵme when there were not readily available jobs for women, this must have invited desperaƟon! Five verses have taken us from a happy family, called by God’s name, living in Bethlehem (the House of Bread), to a trail of death and hope- lessness. Maybe Naomi wasn’t all for the Moab decision, or maybe she’d been the one pushing her husband to do something—anything! As we move through this Bible Study, we’ll take Ɵme to process your own journey, as we’re inspired by the various characters in this story. For example: —Have you experienced a difficult turn of events in your life? —Have you ended up in a situaƟon you never thought you’d face? —Have you been the one to turn from God’s blessing, only to discover, like Naomi, that life had turned harsh, tragic, and lonely? You will have an opportunity to compose your own Story of RedempƟon by the Ɵme we finish our seven-week study together.

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ and WRITE Ruth 1:6-7 in your journal. Naomi sƟll had her two daughters-in-law but v.5 said, “the woman was leŌ without her two sons and her husband.” Because of the deaths of all of the men in her family, she had lost all basic provision in life, as well as a sense of belonging. · When the text said, “she had heard in the fields of Moab,” what does that hint about what Naomi was doing and where? · What news did she receive regarding Judah (v.6)? · Write Naomi’s current locaƟon and where she decided to head to: _____________________ —> _______________________ They say you can never go home! I suppose that means it’s never the same, the home you once knew, isn’t the same home when you re- turn. There is some truth to that, but in this case, it was worth a try! · Describe some of the emoƟonal challenges you imagine Naomi must have faced as she made the decision to return: The root word of return is turn. Return basically means to turn again. That is such a beauƟful reminder of our journey with God, He always allows another turn. Day 2:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier In Naomi’s case, her feet were moving in the right direcƟon, but we’ll find that her heart, emoƟons, and moƟves were not always in total agreement. That’s okay! There’s something commendable when one takes the proper steps (literally in this case), even if their heart isn’t completely on board, even if there are emoƟonal reservaƟons. · List everyone who started off from Moab to Judah (v.7): a READ and WRITE Ruth 1:8-9 in your journal. Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah were all headed on the road to Judah — their backs turned on their tragic life in Moab. · Suddenly, what did Naomi suggest these girls do (v.8)? · She recommended that they return to Moab and find _________ in the house of __________________. Basically, she told them to find new men and do what (v.9)? _________________________ This seems like a sudden departure from her original plan and makes us wonder why. Why didn’t she want the girls to return to Judah with her? Wouldn’t they have a beƩer life with her? Wouldn’t it be a posiƟve thing for them to be surrounded by people who worshiped the one true God, rather than the idols of their homeland? Let’s make a short list of some possible reasons Naomi might not have wanted the girls to accompany her back to Judah: · How much do you think she was looking forward to introducing her son’s Moabite widows to her friends and family? · How easy do you think it would be for Moabite women to even find husbands in Israel? (To answer that quesƟon, you may want to review Numbers 25, which chronicles Israel’s season of sexual immorality which had been fanned into flame by Moabite women.) Day 3

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier What about you? Perhaps, you also have some lingering reminders of a past season in your life. Maybe you can relate to emoƟonal roadblocks. · How oŌen do you like to be reminded of how someone else’s disobedience has affected your life? · How fond are you of carrying around permanent reminders of a personal season of disobedience? Living with the past is one thing, but parading those reminders in front of family and friends can really bruise our pride. Read Romans 8:28. How does this Scripture speak to our past issues? · How have you dealt (either posiƟvely or negaƟvely) with these types of lingering reminders that are part of your life? Explain. a READ and WRITE Ruth 1:10-13 in your journal. · AŌer Naomi’s iniƟal appeal, what was the answer from both ladies about returning to Moab (v.10)? · What did Naomi mean in v.11-12? Day 4:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Naomi clearly had fragile emoƟons at that point. From v.13: · What was her descripƟon of how she felt inside? · Whom did she blame for her current set of circumstances? · Why do you think she was able to shiŌ the blame in that way? We can all end up in situaƟons that tempt us to become biƩer. We can relate to her words. But, of the three ladies on the road that day, Naomi was the ONE who at least knew about God — maybe we expected a bit more from her. · How did her emoƟons affect her current opportunity to lead Ruth and Orpah to know God, and to trust Him? · What potenƟal benefit could have happened if she had been able to overcome her self-inflicted biƩerness? We said before that Naomi’s feet were pointed in the right direcƟon, but her heart was calloused. Has that ever been your experience? Read these verses and journal how they might relate to your life: Psalm 32:1-2 Psalm 51:17 You have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. — Psalm 16:5-6 (NIV)

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Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. Can you personally relate to Naomi’s experience of being a prodigal? If you are willing, share with your group. 2. Are you praying for someone, who seems to be on the journey from Judah to Moab? In what way are you praying for them? 3. God had told His people not to intermarry with the pagan naƟons around them. Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-16. What does this passage mean for New Testament ChrisƟans? 4. Explain what may have happened among the people of Judah that caused God to visit His people and give them food (v.6): 5. What would be your advice to someone hesitant to return to church because they had been in prodigal land and might be returning with scars? 6. How can the Body of Christ respond to people who are returning, to create the best possible environment for them to flourish?

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier This week we’ll walk side-by-side with those three ladies along the dry, dusty road from Moab to Bethlehem. In my mind, it was hot, there was sweat, there were tears, there were words, there was drama. Road trips seem to have a way of either bonding or breaking us, and that’s exactly what happened. a READ and WRITE Ruth 1:14-15 in your journal. What a desperate moment for these women as they were undoubtedly sƟll moving through stages of grief. There weren’t great choices facing any of them, either way they turned, as they each had to make their final decision — Bethlehem or Moab. · Describe their general emoƟonal state (v.14): · What words in v.15 confirm the spiritual climate of the pagan culture this family had lived among? — Like Naomi and Ruth, Orpah set out on the road to Judah, just a liƩle closer to the God of Israel with each step. — Like Naomi and Ruth, she was weeping and hurƟng and in need of comfort. — Unlike Naomi and Ruth, she stopped short of her desƟnaƟon and returned to Moab and her gods. It’s sad. We would have wanted to see Orpah finish the journey, arrive in Bethlehem, come to know the God of Israel and graŌ herself into the covenant people — like other foreigners before her. But she stopped short of that desƟnaƟon and returned to Moab. Week Three — Ruth 1:14– 22 Day 1:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Not everyone who begins, finishes well. We might even find some similariƟes between Orpah on the path to Judah and the parable of the farmer sowing seed on the path of life. Read Mark 4:3-8, 14-20 and list any similariƟes that you find: a READ and WRITE Ruth 1:16-18 in your journal. Unlike Orpah, Ruth clung to Naomi and remained steadfast on the enƟre journey to Judah. If we were to parallel Ruth’s decision with one of the seed types from our parable yesterday, how would you characterize her? Read Isaiah 56:6-8. How does this passage speak to Ruth’s situaƟon and her decision to accompany Naomi to Bethlehem? Verses 16-17 could be Ɵtled Ruth’s song. We find these words on wedding invitaƟons and wall art — they flow in such an elegant Day 2:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier manner that it almost inspires us to search for a melody to match. List each of Ruth’s declaraƟons to Naomi from those two verses: · · · · · · I think the most compelling phrase is, “...and your God, my God!” Read Deuteronomy 23:3-6. —Did our Moabitess know she would be excluded from Israel? —Did she know the Law was against her? Read Ephesians 2:12. —Do WE understand that God’s Law excludes us from His presence in the same way? —Explain how our dilemma runs parallel to that of Ruth: Read Ephesians 2:4-6. —Explain God’s remedy that allows us to be included:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ and WRITE Ruth 1:19-21 in your journal. We’ve examined both Orpah’s and Ruth’s decisions on that road — one moving forward toward the people and God of Israel, and one returning. Now we’re going to explore Naomi’s thoughts and acƟons! · What type of a reacƟon was produced by Naomi’s return to the town of Bethlehem (v.19)? · What was Naomi’s response to their comments (v.20)? · Can you guess what the name Mara means based on Naomi’s usage? (AŌer you guess, you may look it up in a Bible DicƟonary.) · In v.20-21, Naomi responded to her old friends by itemizing how God had dealt badly or unjustly with her. List the phrases: · · · · Day 3:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier She was quick to point out to everyone what her life was like when she leŌ Judah all those years ago, compared to her return (v.21): I went away ___________. The Lord brought me back ___________. So, that was how she chose to characterize God’s hand in her life — everything was HIS fault! Remember, God didn’t distance Himself from Naomi; she and her husband were the ones who had created a distance from God and His people. Someone could have tried to point out the obvious: ‘But, Naomi, you were the one who leŌ...this wasn’t God’s fault!” But she wouldn’t have heard it because the loudest voice that day was her own heart. Read Jeremiah 17:9. What do you learn about the reliability of your heart (which informs your emoƟons)? Read Luke 6:45. Why is it important to deal with our emoƟons, like anger and biƩerness? Read Psalm 107:4-9. How could meditaƟng on a Psalm like this change our emoƟonal outlook? "Do not be afraid to tell God exactly how you feel, He's already read your thoughts anyway. Don't tell the whole world. God can take it--when others can't. Then listen for His answer." — Elisabeth Elliott

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ and WRITE Ruth 1:22 in your journal. · In v.22, we’re told of an agricultural event happening at the same Ɵme as Naomi’s re-entrance to Bethlehem. What was it? This is fascinaƟng — while Naomi was nursing biƩerness toward God regarding her past misfortunes; God was craŌing the perfect environ- ment to bless Naomi! And the blessing would extend past Naomi, to Ruth and ulƟmately to all of the peoples of the earth. Let’s consider all the implicaƟons of the barley harvest: · It was a sure sign that the famine was indeed over! The rains had come, the crops were successful and now the people in Bethlehem (in the House of Bread) would have bread. · It was a promise of work for these ladies, since they could glean in the fields aŌer the workers. This would mean food on their table. · The barley harvest meant it was almost Ɵme to celebrate Pass- over. For Naomi, this meant they had arrived just in Ɵme to remember God’s miraculous deliverance of her people from the land of Egypt. Naomi also needed something miraculous about now, but she couldn’t anƟcipate God’s blessings because of her own internal pain. We someƟmes face the same struggle in our own lives — God is providing and blessing but we can’t perceive it because we are angry or biƩer. Read Psalm 34 and note spiritual advice for Naomi and for YOU! For Naomi For Me Day 4:

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Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. Which of the three women on the road back to Judah do you currently idenƟfy with the most? Which of them might you have related to, previously in your life? 2. Why do you think the enemy tempts ChrisƟans to blame God for the difficulƟes in our lives? What could be the collateral damage if he is successful? 3. Simply heading to Bethlehem was no guarantee that Ruth or Naomi’s stories would turn out well. In what way have you had to make a decision to move forward by faith, trusƟng that God truly would provide and care for you? 4. What Scripture would you share with someone who confessed to being angry with God due to their circumstances? 5. What acƟons can a ChrisƟan woman take NOW to prepare spirit- ually for any future set of misfortunes that she may encounter? Comfort for all who mourn...for those you grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. — Isaiah 61:2-3 (NIV)

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier We’re halfway through our Bible study, and we finally get to meet our hero this week. I’ve menƟoned that this book could really be called The Book of Boaz since he is the rescuer — and now we meet him, we observe him, and we learn about his character. Not only do we meet the hero, but so does Ruth — in a most providenƟal way! a READ and WRITE Ruth 2:1-7 in your journal. As we begin chapter two, we have an enƟrely new seƫng, and we’re introduced to an important new character. From v.1-5: · What did Ruth decide to do to ensure their survival (v.2)? If you are interested in some historical background on gleaning—Read Deuteronomy 24:19-22. · Describe the new seƫng Ruth found herself in: · What words were used to describe our new character — Boaz? · What was his family history, and where was he from? Week Four — Ruth 2:1-23 Day 1:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier · Describe Boaz’s acƟons and inquiries as he approached his territory that day (v.4-5): · There is a phrase smack dab in the middle of v.3 that draws aƩenƟon to what some call coincidence, but what the Bible calls providence. What is that phrase? In our own life, we can someƟmes be oblivious to divine appointments. In this case, the sovereign God of Naomi’s people, not only inspired Ruth to go into the barley field to glean, but directed her steps to one parƟcular field, on one parƟcular day, as one parƟcular man came to check on the progress of his harvest. a READ and WRITE Ruth 2:8-13 in your journal. · What were the instrucƟons that Boaz gave Ruth in v.8-9? · Here he addressed Ruth as his daughter, and back in v.5, he inquired about the young woman. What do you think this implies about their age difference? Day 2:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier · In v.9, what social boundaries did Boaz enforce to ensure Ruth’s safety? · In v.10, Ruth responded to Boaz’s gestures of kindness with grace and humility. How might she have expected to be treated by the boss? · In v.11-12, what observaƟons did Boaz tell Ruth he had made about her acƟons and, therefore, her character? Here is v.12b, quoted from the NIV… “May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." (NIV) I hope Boaz’s statement will become one of your favorite phrases from this study because the Bible actually has a lot to say about God Himself being our shelter and our refuge, and ulƟmately our rest. Read the following passages, and meditate on the significance of sheltering in God’s care. Note anything the Lord points out to you: · Psalm 17:6-9

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier · Psalm 27:4-6 · Psalm 36:7-10 · Psalm 61:1-4 · Psalm 91:1-4 · Isaiah 25:4 a READ and WRITE Ruth 2:14-16 in your journal. · Summarize the special kindness Boaz showed Ruth in these verses: Read MaƩhew 25:35-36, 40. How do Boaz’s acƟons throughout this chapter line up with exactly the type of compassion Jesus expressed in these verses? Well, this story has been developing into a unique romance! Boaz and Ruth first laid eyes on each other in the morning, and now they’re enjoying their first date at lunch! — Ruth has taken note of Boaz’s care, protecƟon, words of comfort and kindness; and — Boaz has assessed Ruth’s diligence, and discernment that had pointed her in the direcƟon of the God of Israel in the first place. Day 3:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Boaz and Ruth were real people, who lived during a real Ɵme period of history. Every love story is interesƟng —but the greater love story of personal redempƟon, expressed in this book, is compelling because the people and situaƟons are types of a greater spiritual reality! On the chart below, note any representaƟons that may apply to the different elements of this story (Ruth is given as an example): Actual Person/Place/Thing ___RepresentaƟon/Symbol of________ Ruth A believer (maybe specifically a GenƟle) Boaz Boaz’s Field Boaz’s Workers The Grain In the same way that Boaz instructed his men to make Ruth’s gleaning easy (v.15-16)—God also goes to great lengths to make His plan of salvaƟon easy for us to understand and receive. He has given us natural signs and symbols to help us. · Read Psalm 19:1-6. What is God’s daily reminder for us, in order that we may know and understand Him as our Creator? · Read Ephesians 5:31-32. What has God established for us, in everyday life, that helps us to know and understand Him as our Redeemer/Husband?

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ and WRITE Ruth 2:17-23 in your journal. · What was Naomi’s reacƟon when Ruth returned at the end of the day with her bundle of grain (v.19)? · The abundance of grain was so great that Naomi suspected it had less to do with Ruth’s gleaning skills and more to do with whom? As Ruth told her mother-in-law about her amazing day, gleaning in the field of Boaz, we heard a glimpse of a posiƟve aƫtude change in Naomi. Even though our story line highlights the rescue of Ruth, the parallel story of restoraƟon in Naomi is equally compelling. · What part of Naomi’s response in v.20 indicates that her hope is being restored? Day 4: Preparing Your Own Personal RedempƟon Story If you are a born-again child of God, you too have experienced rescue and rest, and there’s a story that goes along with it. In each of our lives, God has chosen us, revealed Himself to us and given us the opportunity to choose Him back. Read Isaiah 43:1 Read Ephesians 1:4-7 If you have chosen to say yes to Jesus, what were the circumstances of your story of redempƟon? Turn to p.56 in this study guide and read Part One, which will help you think through your own love story in preparaƟon of puƫng your tesƟmony into words that will be easy to share with others. If you’re not sure that you truly belong to God — this is the perfect Ɵme to make sure! Talk with your group leader or reach out to me, and we’ll be more than happy to pray with you so that you are sure!

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Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. Have you experienced a divine appointment similar to Ruth step- ping into the field of Boaz? What were the circumstances, and how did you know that God had arranged things for you? 2. Boaz’s acƟons toward Ruth in the field went past the require- ments of the Law. His genuine kindness expressed to Ruth (and therefore Naomi) came at a Ɵme when they were most vulnera- ble. How do his acƟons inspire you to treat people as you go about your daily life? 3. Has there been a Ɵme in your life when you needed a fresh prom- ise of hope as badly as Naomi? How did God bring that hope into your life? 4. With what words and Scriptures would you encourage a friend who thinks God has forgoƩen them? 5. The safest place for Ruth (physically) was to stay in the field of Boaz. Share some reasons why the safest place for a ChrisƟan (spiritually) is to remain in a Bible-teaching church. For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” — Isaiah 30:15 (ESV)

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier This week, we’ll find some precious insights in our Scriptures as God’s rescue plan moves forward in Ruth and Naomi’s life. This story is about real people, who were faced with real life needs; but it also illustrates spiritual realiƟes and spiritual soluƟons for all people. a READ and WRITE Ruth 3:1-5 in your journal. · How did Naomi express her desire for Ruth’s well-being (v.1)? · What do you think the words ‘seek rest’ meant? · List the things Naomi told Ruth to do in v.3-4: · Write out Ruth’s response to Naomi in v.5: Here, Naomi described Boaz as ‘our relaƟve.’ In chapter two, she said he was a ‘close relaƟve of ours’, and ‘one of our redeemers’. Let’s invesƟgate the purpose in God’s Law for a relaƟve—redeemer. Week Five — Ruth 3:1-13 Day 1:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Read Deuteronomy 25:5-10. Summarize the Law for redeeming the name of the dead: Read LeviƟcus 25:23-28. Summarize the Law for redeeming property: · Explain how both Naomi and Ruth qualified for these provisions under the Law. a READ and WRITE Ruth 3:6-7 in your journal. Boaz was the one who had approached Ruth in the grain field, while she was gleaning, by introducing himself. · In v.7, who approached whom? We oŌen say that God’s rescue mission in our lives has two parts: · The first part is when God chooses us — that’s when we become aware of our sin, aware of who God is, aware of our need to be made right with Him. · The second part is when we choose God back — we need to want Him in our life. That’s what we see played out in the drama of redempƟon in this chapter. Ruth chose Boaz back! Day 2:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Read MaƩhew 11:27-28. Note the phrases: Whom the Son chooses to reveal, and Come to me. Share similariƟes you find between Jesus’ words in MaƩhew, and Boaz and Ruth’s relaƟonship in chapter three? Under the Law of Moses (which we read yesterday), we learned that not just anyone could redeem. Someone in need of rescue needed to find a qualified kinsman-redeemer who had the lawful right to redeem. This man had to be related—of the same family. For you or me to be spiritually rescued from the grip of sin and death, we need to find someone related to us, who has the right to redeem. Read Hebrews 2:11-15 and Philippians 2:5-8. · What does the Bible explain about Jesus’ relaƟon to us, and His right to purchase us? a READ and WRITE Ruth 3:8-10 in your journal. In these beauƟful (and romanƟc) verses, we’re allowed a peek into the midnight exchange between Boaz and Ruth on a warm spring evening, right there at the threshing floor. I can create the whole scene in my imaginaƟon—can’t you? Day 3:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier · What were Boaz’s first words to Ruth (v.9)? · What was Ruth’s posture at this Ɵme (v.8), and do you think there was significance to it? · What was Ruth’s request of Boaz (v.9)? · What do you think she meant by spread your wings? (Consult some different translaƟons.) · What might be the significance of being covered — specifically by someone who was a redeemer? What was she really asking? Read Isaiah 61:10. How does this verse further develop this same concept of covering in our own lives? The sculptor, Thors Walden, chiseled a glorious statue of Jesus Christ. Due to the posiƟon of His body, however, it is impossible to see His face. A sign next to the statue says this: “If you desire to see His face, you must first sit at His feet”. As you sit at the feet of that sculpture and look up, it is then and only then that you see His face. 1

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ and WRITE Ruth 3:11-13 in your journal. What was Boaz’s gracious response to Ruth’s request (v.11)? Read John 6:37-40 and Romans 10:12-13. Compare Boaz’s willingness to rescue Ruth with Jesus’ promise to anyone who comes to him: There are three powerful words in Boaz’s response that we should note, underline, and personally take to heart — ‘Do not fear’. — Have you ever experienced a sense of fear that kept you from approaching God? — that kept you at a distance? — Have you wondered if He would indeed respond to you in a posiƟve way? — maybe He would forgive others, but not you? Well, some of God’s favorite words are ‘Do not fear.’ Read the following passages, and note how they encourage you to resist that temptaƟon to fear God’s reproach or rejecƟon: · Isaiah 41:10 Day 4:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier · LamentaƟons 3:55-57 · Zephaniah 3:16-17 · 1 John 4:18 Everything has been moving along splendidly with Ruth and Boaz unƟl we read verse 12! If this were a movie, the music would have turned ominously minor, we might have noƟced a cloaked stranger in the background, and then — there would be a cut for a commercial break. — What did Boaz mean by a redeemer nearer than I? — Is that even possible? We thought he was the perfect redeemer. We really got to liking this guy. We thought he was symbolic of Jesus Christ Himself! — How can there be someone in line nearer to rescue Ruth? — How could there be someone in line nearer to rescue us? Well, we’re about to find out — but we will have to wait for that commercial break — or at least, unƟl the next chapter, when we get Ruth back to town. Your Own Personal RedempƟon Story: Now is the Ɵme to begin Part Two of your Personal RedempƟon Story. Hopefully, you read and pondered Part One last week, and now you’re ready for this next step, which can be found on p.59. Believe me, I know how much Ɵme and thought a project like this takes. If you get a liƩle episode of writer’s block, just go take a walk, let it rest for a bit. If necessary, do a liƩle work on your story in the wee hours of the morning when the house is quiet. It is worth it!

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Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. Naomi said she was seeking rest for Ruth. Share what physical rest looks like for you. Share what spiritual rest looks like for you. 2. The process of redeeming a thing happens when that thing, of liƩle or no value, is transformed into a thing of great value. Explain how this is the Gospel of our salvaƟon in a nutshell. 3. You’ve probably seen a sign, a meme, or heard the expression, ’You are enough.’ Explain how that phrase is exactly the opposite of God’s plan of rescue and the opposite of the story of Ruth. 4. Read GalaƟans 4:4-5, and explain how that passage expands our understanding of this topic of redempƟon. 5. What might cause people to fear approaching God and even ask- ing for salvaƟon? 6. What Scriptures would you share with someone hesitant to approach God and ask for His forgiveness of sins? Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bounƟfully with you. — Psalm 116:7 (ESV)

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier You’ve heard it said, ‘AcƟons speak louder than words’. Well, Boaz had a knack for both acƟons and words! Not only did he assure Ruth with his verbal promise, but he also physically demonstrated that he meant business by sending her home with a tangible giŌ! a READ and WRITE Ruth 3:14-18 in your journal. · What exactly was the giŌ that Boaz sent home with Ruth from the threshing floor? We could describe this giŌ using three synonyms: — A deposit on his intended transacƟon. — A pledge that he would fulfill his vow. — A guarantee of future provisions. Read those underlined words again. In that gesture, Boaz’s acƟons deepen our understanding to the parallels we see between Ruth’s and his relaƟonship and our own spiritual journey. Read Ephesians 1:13b-14, and explain what God gives us as a deposit, pledge, or guarantee for our future inheritance in Christ: We’ve read two detailed accounts of Ruth bringing grain back to Naomi. · In Ruth 2:17-18, how did she acquire the grain? · In Ruth 3:15, how did she acquire the grain? · What do you think might be spiritually significant about those two different methods of obtaining grain? Day 1: Week Six — Ruth 3:14-4:10

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Let’s peek into the home of Naomi as Ruth comes back. · What did Naomi ask her? There is really more to this quesƟon than a mother wanƟng to know how a date went. There’s a very interesƟng repeƟƟve inquiry into her idenƟty in this chapter. Let’s dig a liƩle to uncover it. · Write out Boaz’s quesƟon to Ruth back in v.9: Compare this with Naomi’s quesƟon to Ruth in v.16. In the ESV, it reads, “How did you fare?” but, in both KJV and ASV, it reads, “Who art thou?” This twin quesƟon, “Who art thou?” serves a purpose. Each one of us needs to honestly answer the same quesƟon in our lives — before Jesus and aŌer Jesus. Take a look at the order of these quesƟons: Boaz to Ruth: Who are you? Ruth to Boaz: Someone in need of covering! Naomi to Ruth: Who are you now? Ruth to Naomi: Someone who has been covered! And that is when Naomi assured Ruth that Boaz, “will not rest unƟl the maƩer is seƩled today." a READ and WRITE Ruth 4:1-4 in your journal. Finally, the Scripture begins to reveal this mystery nearer-kinsman, who was foreshadowed in the previous chapter. In this chapter, there is another new seƫng — from these opening verses of chapter 4… · Describe the seƫng: Day 2:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier · Who were the men involved (v.2-3)? · What was the purpose of the gathering at the city gate? · What did Boaz suggest this nearer-kinsman do? · How did the man respond to this offer to purchase Naomi’s land? THIS created a big problem. The nearer-kinsman wanted to exercise his right and responsibility to redeem. Quite honestly, none of us wants the story to go that direcƟon! This has the potenƟal to mess up our enƟre romance. Are you also a liƩle confused about Naomi “selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relaƟve Elimelech.” (v.3)? That’s a bit perplexing. If she had land to sell all this Ɵme, why were these ladies considered so poor that they had to glean in the fields? Whether Naomi even knew she had land to sell or not. Whether the parcel was even large enough to make a financial difference is not relevant. The main point is that the menƟon of this land was but a lure or a pawn in the game that Boaz was skillfully playing to get the nearer-kinsman to be thinking of assets and profit margins before he announced the other part of the transacƟon that would be required. In the case of Ruth and Naomi, Elimelech's property had either been sold or was under some kind of mortgage, and the rights to the land had passed to Ruth's husband, Mahlon, when Elimelech died. This explains why Ruth was also involved in the transacƟon. She was too poor, however, to redeem the land. — Warren Weirsbe, Bible ExposiƟon Commentary 2

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ and WRITE Ruth 4:5-6 in your journal. In a shocking turn of events, this nearer-kinsman agreed to purchase the field belonging to Naomi, unƟl Boaz informed him that something else, or someone else came along with that transacƟon. · Who was the bonus to be acquired along with the field (v.5)? · What would be expected on the part of the redeemer (v.5)? As soon as the man learned that Ruth from Moab was part of the purchase, and would be included in the transacƟon (v.6): · What was his response? · What was his reason? · What did he offer Boaz? Day 3: Redeeming was mulƟ-faceted under the Mosaic Law: à Redeeming the liberty—buying someone out of slavery. à Redeeming the property —buying back their land sold due to hardship, bad business, etc. à Redeeming the blood—bearing a child to conƟnue the name of the deceased relaƟve.

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier We’re suggesƟng here that the nearer-kinsman is a picture of The Law of God. The Law came first, it actually has the first right to rescue — if it only could — but it cannot and will not. With this in mind, read these passages and note how the Law is unable to rescue us from our dilemma of sin: Romans 8:3 GalaƟans 3:23-25 Hebrews 7:19 The nearer-kinsman would not redeem Ruth because her Moabite nature would mess up his established estate. Because of this, he could not draw her near to himself and offer her rescue. We’re all in a similar situaƟon as Ruth in that we’re born with Moab in our blood. We’re born into a sinful human race, and have an innate sinful nature. Even if we followed every aspect of the Law, it sƟll could not accept us because of who we have been from birth. The Law, which came before Jesus, would have to lower its standards to include us. It is incapable of that, therefore incapable of rescuing us. a READ and WRITE Ruth 4:7-10 in your journal. The theme of Ruth is rescue and rest, but chapter four in parƟcular, points our aƩenƟon specifically to the transacƟon of redeeming. · Read verses 1-10 again, tallying how many Ɵmes you encounter transacƟon words like redeem, buy, purchase: __________ · Look up the word redeem in a regular dicƟonary: Day 4:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier · Would you make any adjustments for a spiritual definiƟon? Write out your spiritual definiƟon of redeem: · Boaz’s transacƟon to purchase Ruth was done in a very public place and method. How does this parallel Jesus redeeming us? · Boaz purchased the land (including Ruth) out of his own resources — his own wealth. How does this parallel Jesus’ payment for us? Write the last five words of v.10: _____________________________ ________________________________________________________ The transfer of ownership to redeem Ruth took place in front of witnesses. It was made clear to all that Ruth now belonged to someone new. If you have transferred the ownership of your life to Jesus Christ, have you been intenƟonal about making sure there are witnesses that KNOW something has changed in your life? This is why we are working on our own personal story of redempƟon. Your Own Personal RedempƟon Story: Now is the Ɵme to begin Part Three of your Personal RedempƟon Sto- ry, which can be found on p.60. This is such a good fit for our conclud- ing phrase above because we want to communicate our journey with the Lord in a very clear way for anyone to know and understand.

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Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. The Ɵtle of our study is Rescue and Rest. Explain how Boaz accom- plished rescue for Ruth. Explain how he provided rest for her. 2. Explain the same parallels of rescue and rest through Jesus Christ. 3. In what erroneous ways do people aƩempt to achieve rest from the Law? What is the result? 4. Have you had, or do you have people in your life, who enƟce you to be in a relaƟonship with the Law (nearer-kinsman) more than with Jesus (Boaz)? How do you resist those suggesƟons? 5. Rules, principles and laws can be an accurate reflecƟon of Who God is and what He is like, but they will never rescue us from sin. How can a ChrisƟan keep that in its proper perspecƟve? 6. If you have transferred ownership of your life to Jesus Christ, what do you think God might have you do right now to make your surrender to Him more clear or more public?

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Do you remember where we leŌ off? Boaz was sƟll at the city gate, finalizing his transacƟon in front of all who had gathered in order for his intenƟons to be made abundantly clear. The picture in my mind has Boaz holding the nearer-redeemer’s sandal over his head, as he turned from face to face, calling out, “YOU are witnesses this day.” And now, for the conclusion of our story... a READ and WRITE Ruth 4:11-13 in your journal. Boaz asked the people that day to be witnesses to his intenƟons. He communicated those intenƟons clearly enough that they affirmed his declaraƟon by saying together, “We are witnesses.” And the crowd even took it one step further. They blessed him! · Although the word bless is not used in v.11-12, what is the blessing that is conveyed toward Ruth? · What is the senƟment conveyed toward Boaz? · Although the historical reference to Tamar and Judah can be confusing, what were the women wishing upon this household? I love blessings! I love when people say, The Lord bless you! I love how we read many blessings one to another throughout the book of Ruth. Week Seven — Ruth 4:11-22 Day 1:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Review these passages and note some of those blessings. 2:4 2:12 2:20 3:10 Don’t you think we could all use a liƩle more of the blessing mindset in our conversaƟons? Maybe we should consciously decide to replace Good luck and Best wishes with The Lord bless you! a READ and WRITE Ruth 4:14-15 in your journal. A bit of Ɵme has passed now since the wedding day. Ruth has given birth to a son, and the hearts and mouths of the women of Israel conƟnue to pronounce blessings. · Whom did they pronounce blessings upon in v.14? · List some of the elements of their blessing: · Whom were they crediƟng for Naomi’s current happiness? Day 2: “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God...so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Write out Romans 12:15: It’s clear that the women of Bethlehem had responded with the same aƫtude that the Apostle Paul exhorted the Roman believers to have. This verse isn’t always easy to obey. SomeƟmes, we are envious of other people’s blessings — someƟmes, we are reluctant to enter into other people’s grief. · Is there a situaƟon in your life right now in which God may be nudging you to have one of these two aƫtudes? Describe the situaƟon and your response: The Blessing of Children: Chapter four expresses an element of God’s heart that is oŌen minimized in our culture — the purpose and blessing of procreaƟon in marriage. Not every marriage produces children, but we should view their addiƟon as a blessing, rather than a burden. Read Genesis 1:27-28, and explain God’s first direcƟve to His people aŌer He created them: Read Malachi 2:15, and explain how God intended His people to protect family legacy: Finally, read Psalm 127:3-5 and Psalm 145:4. Note further thoughts:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier a READ and WRITE Ruth 4:16-22 in your journal. If you happen to have a houseful of liƩle ones in your current season of life — what do you think of v.16? Who wouldn’t love a full-Ɵme nurse-nanny-grandma in your home to help? Glory be! Even if you’ve already raised your children, you can certainly think back and appreciate how having extra hands may have made your life easier, ‘If only I had a Naomi back in the day’. This liƩle guy Obed, whose name meant servant, became something of a kinsman-redeemer to Naomi. He was to become the grandfather of King David, and through David’s greater son, Jesus Christ became a kinsman-redeemer for us all. I love how God works things out like that! The book of Ruth closes with the important family lineage of Obed— both backward and forward: · Who did the author begin the lineage with (v.18)? · Moving forward from Obed, where did the lineage end (v.22)? Day 3: Genealogies were very important to the Jews, for without them, they could not prove their tribal memberships or their rights to inheritances. MaƩhew gave our Lord's family tree through His foster father, Joseph, while Luke gave Mary's lineage. This "list of names" is a vital part of the Gospel record. It shows that Jesus Christ is a part of history; that all of Jewish history prepared the way for His birth. God in His providence ruled and overruled to accomplish His great purpose in bringing His Son into the world. —Warren Weirsbe, Bible ExposiƟon Commentary 2

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Read MaƩhew 1:2-6. Did you noƟce Ruth’s name listed in v.5? Read v.2-6 again, and list the women menƟoned in this genealogy: · · · Ruth · If you know a liƩle about each of the women’s circumstances in life— do you not think this genealogy illustrates God's wonderful grace? Our study is finished! I hope you now possess a complete copy of the book of Ruth wriƩen in your own hand—that is an accomplishment—Kudos! There have been countless symbols of the gospel of Jesus Christ in these 85 verses. Two symbols in the recent chapter were: · Boaz and Ruth, just like in every human marriage, were demonstraƟng a beauƟful and yet mysterious drama, as they became a symbol of Christ and His Bride — the Church. · Boaz and Ruth, just like in many human marriages, went on to produce fruit in keeping with their relaƟonship. Their fruit was a son named Obed. In God’s Unfolding Story of RedempƟon, He desires for His people to enter into a spiritual union with Him, and go on to bear fruit for His Kingdom. Your Personal Story of RedempƟon is only the beginning of that two-part story — God desires that you would bear fruit and lots of it! Day 4: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit. — John 15:16 (ESV)

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier I trust that these chapters have been a blessing to you and that the Holy Spirit has informed your mind and enlivened your heart, as you have studied. In preparaƟon for your discussion group, reflect on the concepts or lessons that have been most useful to you throughout this book and note three of them below: · · · Your Own Personal RedempƟon Story: One way to bear fruit for God’s Kingdom is to be ready to share what God has done for your personally. Now is the Ɵme for Part Four of your Personal RedempƟon Story, which can be found on p.60. I pray that the Ɵme you have invested in preparing your story, of how God transferred you from the kingdom of darkness to His Kingdom of light, will yield results in God’s Ɵme and God’s way. I’m sure it will be a powerful tool for the Holy Spirit to use as He chooses to draw others to Himself, and I’m glad we’ve done it together. In the same way that Naomi and Ruth had very different stories of God’s redempƟon, our stories are very unique. That’s the beauty of it all. We represent a liƩle army of God’s women with unique stories. It will be fascinaƟng to see how God will use your preparaƟon in the coming year — to bear fruit for the Kingdom! May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge. Ruth 2:12 (NIV)

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Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Questions for Thought & Discussion 1. Share some ways in which you can speak a blessing over others more oŌen in your everyday life. 2. God is always in the business of restoring. Explain how Obed became a restorer of life for Naomi. 3. Even though every marriage does not do this well, explain the ways in which a marriage is supposed to be symbolic of the union between the Church and Christ. 4. In what specific ways can a ChrisƟan bear fruit for the Kingdom of God? 5. What barriers exist in our lives that prevent us from rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep? How can we overcome those barriers? 6. Share your three main insights on the enƟre Bible Study of Ruth from page 53.

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Your Own Three-Minute Personal RedempƟon Story —Part One— We are all similar to the women we’ve been studying. Both Ruth and Naomi experienced a unique, life-changing encounter with God. If you are born-again, you too have a personal story to tell, and it is your most valuable asset when explaining to someone your faith and hope in God. As part of this Bible study session, I want to guide you in preparing a brief personal tesƟmony, so you will be “prepared to give an answer for anyone who asks you for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15) Why Prepare Your Personal TesƟmony? · To encourage yourself by reviewing the Lord’s work in your life. · To use it for witnessing opportuniƟes the Lord may provide. · To prepare your story in a thoughƞul and prayerful manner, as opposed to just ‘winging it’ on the spot when opportuniƟes arise. Why Three minutes? · It causes you to eliminate things that are not necessary or effecƟve in telling your story. · It causes you to be sensiƟve to your listener’s aƩenƟon span. As you begin to think about your own journey in knowing God, let me share some possible categories that many people fall into. These categories aren’t meant to squeeze you into a mold, but rather give you some understanding as to the unique value of YOUR story. · Type A — You became a ChrisƟan at a young age, and have generally conƟnued to walk with the Lord. · Type B — You became a ChrisƟan at a young age, but had a period of rebellion, immaturity, or worldliness. • Type C — You became a ChrisƟan later in life. Let’s elaborate on these general categories:

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier TesƟmony Type A: Your tesƟmony may be more easily understood by ChrisƟans, so your challenge will be to prepare it in a way that a non-ChrisƟan can relate. You may have a tesƟmony of God’s protecƟon, faithfulness, or blessing. Don’t feel like you’ve missed out because you haven’t been wild! Be thankful for God’s goodness, and share your story with thanks and joy! As you prepare, you may want to think of a theme for your life — maybe how God has helped you deal with friendships, anxiety, bullying, goals in life, etc. Include specific incidents in which God’s presence in your life made a difference. Explain how you sƟll have problems like everyone else, but Christ in your life gives you hope. Make sure you communicate that, at some point (even if you don’t remember the exact moment), you put your trust in Christ. Don’t let them think you’ve always been a ChrisƟan (obviously you haven’t). TesƟmony Type B: Possibly begin with the story of your life during the Ɵme of your rebellion or immaturity. When you get to the part about how Christ changed your life, refer back to the Ɵme you had iniƟally put your trust in Him. You might want to share briefly what caused you to slip from honoring God and how the Lord brought you back to Himself. Remember, when we accept Christ, changes do occur (2 Corinthians 5:17). If you did make a decision early in life and nothing really changed, it could be that you were 1) not really converted at that point or 2) that your growth in Christ was stunted for some reason. Becoming a ChrisƟan involves trusƟng in Christ for the forgiveness of sins and repenƟng of them, not just praying a prayer. Your tesƟmony might be confusing to people, if it sounds like you became a ChrisƟan and nothing really happened. Don’t hold on to the idea that you became a ChrisƟan at an early age, if there is no evidence of conversion. On the other hand, it is possible to be converted and go through Ɵmes of rebellion or immaturity, due to remaining a babe in Christ.

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier TesƟmony Type C: You may be a person who came to a saving knowledge of Jesus later in your life. You may have been anƟ-God in your thinking, or perhaps you were part of a false religious system. You may want to begin your story with your life, aƫtudes and interests before Christ. · Was there a theme related to what you were seeking in life? · How would others have described you? · How did you view Christ and ChrisƟanity? Consider sharing a specific incident that describes what you were like. Share about the events or persons that caused you to begin to show interest in Christ or understand the Bible. Share about your decision to trust Christ for forgiveness. Paint a picture that might help others see how they could do that also. · Why did you make this decision? · How did your life begin to change? · Let them know you sƟll have problems, but that Christ is there. For any tesƟmony, but especially the type-C, you may consider sharing how you are a different person since you have come to know Christ. A helpful three-point outline would be: Before—How—AŌer Before I received Christ: · What was my life like? · What were my aƫtudes, needs, and problems? · Around what did my life revolve most? · From what source did I get my security or happiness? · How did those areas begin to disappoint me? · In what ways were my acƟviƟes unsaƟsfying? How I received Christ: · When was the first Ɵme I was exposed to true ChrisƟanity and heard the Gospel? How did it happen? · What were my iniƟal reacƟons? When did my aƫtude begin to change?

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier · What were the final struggles that went through my mind, just before I received Christ? Why did I decide to receive Christ? AŌer I received Christ: · What are some specific changes Christ has made in my life, acƟons, and aƫtudes? · How long did it take before I noƟced the changes? · How and why am I moƟvated differently now? Now that you have read this far, think about your own journey a liƩle, pray about how God would want to you to share the very unique and precious giŌ that is YOUR personal story. Your Own Three-Minute Personal RedempƟon Story —Part Two— Now, begin wriƟng the first draŌ of your tesƟmony. Remember, you’re preparing your story to communicate with both individuals or groups. Here are some helpful insights as you begin: · Pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you as you prepare. (James 1:5) · Keep within your Ɵme limit of 3 minutes. · Write with a non-ChrisƟan listener in mind—later you can tweak it for a ChrisƟan audience. · Try to write as you would speak. · Begin with an aƩenƟon-geƫng sentence or story. · Consider weaving your story around a theme. · Be posiƟve from start to finish. · Speak boldly about Jesus. He is the focus of your tesƟmony. · Present the Gospel to make clear how someone could begin a personal relaƟonship with Christ. · Be accurate, but remember you’re not giving a play-by-play of your life. The goal is to communicate the Gospel and what God has done in your life. · Write a closing that provides a finished and logical conclusion. Once you have wriƩen this first draŌ, you may want to just leave it in your notebook or tuck it in your Bible for a day or two, and then aŌer a liƩle Ɵme, move to Part Three.

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier Your Own Three-Minute Personal RedempƟon Story —Part Three— Now that you’ve wriƩen your first draŌ, ask yourself these quesƟons: · Is my tesƟmony simple? · Have I used any churchy words that a non-ChrisƟan might not understand (walked the aisle, gave my heart to Jesus, converted)? · Have I used words that may need more explanaƟon: sin (rebellion against God), faith (trust), quiet Ɵme (reading the Bible/praying)? · Have I reflected negaƟvely on any church, organizaƟon, people, or denominaƟon? (It is not wise to make a negaƟve reference about anything or anyone. Eliminate them.) · Have I glamorized my sin? Be careful that you don’t sound like you’re proud of what you did or that it sƟll sounds fun. · Are there any parts that are sƟll too detailed as I describe my sinful lifestyle? For example: You can say you were involved with drugs without lisƟng all the types. You can say you were in some bad relaƟonships without divulging your sexual history. · Do I express assurance that I know I have eternal life, and do I clearly communicate how a person can receive Christ? · Would someone caught in the grip of today’s sexual sins understand God’s forgiveness and see hope for a place in God’s Kingdom? Rewrite your story based on your reflecƟon of those quesƟons. Your Own Three-Minute Personal RedempƟon Story —Part Four— You’re on the home stretch. All that’s leŌ is to actually pracƟce sharing your tesƟmony: · Memorize what you have wriƩen. · PracƟce sharing it with a friend, this will help you know if it’s less than three minutes or not. · Look for an opportunity to share—perhaps beginning with your Women of the Word group. May the Lord bless you, as you have taken Ɵme to prepare to share the hope you have in Christ. I KNOW the Holy Spirit will provide ample opportuniƟes to make use of your story!

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier ESV Bible verses… Scripture quotaƟons are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NIV Bible verses… Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VER- SION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 1— Jesus: The Way, The Truth, & The Life — SystemaƟc and PracƟcal Theology — hƩp://jesusisgod316.blogspot.com/2013/12/ruth-3- why-did-boaz-sleep-at-threshing.html 2— Wiersbe, Warren. Bible ExposiƟon Commentary – Be CommiƩed (Ruth). Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, 2003. WORDsearch CROSS e-book. References

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier The following WOW Bible Studies, wriƩen by Sue LeBouƟllier, are available through the Calvary Chapel Ontario bookstore, and through our online store at www.ccontario.com. Old Testament: · Genesis —Divine Design, From Eden to Egypt · Exodus —Divine Deliverance, From Egypt to Sinai · Numbers —The Wilderness Way, From Sinai to the Jordan · Joshua —The Path of Promise, From the Jordan into Canaan · Judges — A Time of Turning · Ruth — Rescue and Rest · 1 Samuel — The Coming King · 2 Samuel— The Reigning King · 1&2 Kings (Part One)— Solomon and the House of the Lord · Jonah —The Call of Compassion New Testament: · The Way of Jesus —The Sermon on the Mount (MaƩhew) · Simply Jesus —The “I AMs” of Christ (John) · Acts —Walking in the Spirit, The First Days of the Last Days · GalaƟans —Finding Grace in a Demanding World · Philippians —Finding Joy in a Disjointed World · Colossians —Finding Stability in a Changing World · Titus —While We Wait · James —Real Faith for Daily Life · 1 & 2 Peter —Hope, Holiness and Humility in a HosƟle World · 1,2,3 John —Light, Love and Logic Women of the Word Bible Studies

Rescue & Rest — Copyright 2021 — Sue LeBoutillier