Solid Words

THe Church in Philadelphis was a faithful church because they held to the truths of Jesus despite the paganism surrounding them.

In which we study the corruption of Eli's sons contrasted with the faithfulness of the young Samuel. God announces judgment on Eli and his descendants. God is faithful to raise up a faithful high priest, who is ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

The Church in Sardis received the harshest reprimand from Christ because they were a dead church, though they appeared alive. They appeared to have it together, yet they were not. Christ has no commendations for them at all. Jesus had nothing good to say about this church!

In which we study Hannah's prayer, where she praises God for His sovereignty, provision, and answer to her prayer.

The Church in Thyatira, like the others, especially the church in Ephesus, had a lot going for it. They were growing spiritually, which is more important than growing numerically. However, they were tolerant, which is not a virtue. They tolerated sexual immorality and false teaching.

In which we study the plight of Hannah, the mother of Samuel. She is barren and in her anguish and bitterness, she cries out to God from her soul. The LORD hears and answers her prayer, and Samuel is born. She fulfills her vow to the LORD by giving Samuel to the LORD all the days of his life.

The Church in Pergamum was one who was faithful to the Truth of Christ, but also compromised the truth of Christ. This church was faithful, but worldly. If the Ephesian church was guilty of elevating truth above love, the church at Pergamum had elevated love above truth.

Ruth and Boaz marry.

Faithfulness and enduring hardship are one of the hallmarks of a Biblical church. The Church in Smyrna was one who endured tribulation and hardship. They persevered. We must do the same.

Ruth's redemption is assured by Boaz. Boaz essentially chooses her as his wife.

The Church in Ephesus had a lot going for it. They were strong in defending the church against false teaching and false apostles. They did not tolerate sin. They worked hard and persevered, enduring hardships. They were strong and busy. However, they were cold in the worst way: toward God.

In this chapter, Ruth works to provide food for herself and Naomi, her mother-in-law, by gleaning wheat in Boaz's field. Providentially, she meets Boaz for the first time.

It is a good practice for Christians to commend other believers who are co-laborers with them in doing Christian work.

Christians are called to live in the watching world in a way that brings glory to Christ.

Elimelech's family goes to Moab to escape famine. He and his two sons die, leaving his wife Naomi and her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah as widows. THis is the setting for the first chapter, where Ruth, a Moabitess, will confess faith in the God of Israel.

Christian employees are called to a higher standard in the workplace. All Christian work is to be done from the heart to the Lord. We do this because we are in Christ and He is Supreme over our lives.

The book of Judges ends tragically, with a war between Benjamin and the other eleven tribes of Israel. The moral degradation of Israel is on full display because God was not honored as King and they did not have an authority over them.

Christ's supremacy should be evident in the Christian family, and it is exemplified in the relationship between children and parents.

The effectual work of Christ in the life of the believer governs the way we live in the home, beginning with biblical marriage.

In which the Levite took for himself a concubine, and she is subsequently men of the city of Gibeah violate her. She subsequently dies. The Levite and the concubine's father are complicit in her rape and death.